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Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Champion racehorse injured during latest victory euthanised 12 days later
Patches O'Houlihan, crowned Canada's Horse of the Year in 2024, was vanned off the track after scoring in gutsy fashion at Woodbine last month A champion racehorse has been humanely euthanised 12 days after recording his latest victory. Patches O'Houlihan, named after a character in the hit movie Dodgeball, was crowned Canada's Horse of the Year in 2024 after a campaign in which he was defeated once in five starts. He had begun the new campaign with two wins from two races taking his career score to 13 from 16 and earnings to £629,000. The sprinter was last in action at Woodbine, Toronto, at the end of June when he captured a Grade 2 race under regular rider Sofia Vives. He secured the win by a diminishing neck margin after he veered alarmingly across the track in the final stretch. The Equibase footnotes said Patches O'Houlihan had 'drifted out considerably to be in the ten path when clinging up front with a furlong from the prize, lost the lead momentarily with a sixteenth to run, showed his heart late digging back in to prevail in the stretch drive by a photo at the wire, was eased shortly after the race and left via equine ambulance'. Vives dismounted the five-year-old after crossing the line> He was reported at the time to be 'back at the barn and resting comfortably after being assessed by the veterinarians'. However on Thursday his owner and breeder Frank Di Giulio Jr shared the news that his star horse had passed away. 'We are heartbroken to announce that 2024 Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan was humanely euthanized on Thursday, July 10th,' he said. 'After sustaining a soft tissue injury while galloping out after winning the Highlander Stakes, it was hoped that he would recover well enourgh to be retired to pasture. 'However, in the time since then, his prognosis worsened. We consulted with veterinarians and surgeons on an ongoing basis and it was determined surgery was not a viable option for a sustained quality of life.' Di Giulio offered condolences and thanks to those closest to his horse including trainer Bob Tiller and his team, Vives, the vets who treated him plus 'the Woodbine starting gate crew for attending to Patches so quickly after the accident.' He continued: 'Everyone at the barn is devastated. We are going to dearly miss watching him run, as will his many fans. He gave us so much pleasure and so many thrills during his career. 'Patches O'Houlihan was an amazing animal that was beautiful both inside and out. He absolutely loved to race and possessed outstanding heart and desire, and was as honest as they come. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patches, but we are truly blessed and grateful to be part of such a true Champion.'
Los Angeles Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
John C. Harris, California horse breeder and owner of Harris Farms, dies at 81
John C. Harris, California horse-racing mogul, had a particular love for the thoroughbred breeding and racing sector of his company, Harris Farms. Multiple horses that were raised and trained at Coalinga-based Harris Farms went on to become national champions, including Tiznow, the 2000 Horse of the Year, and California Chrome, a national Hall of Fame racehorse. A close friend recounted Harris' reaction to the latter thoroughbred winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby. The moment California Chrome sprinted over the finish line, tears streamed down Harris' face. 'It was just knowing that his farm had such a major role,' said his good friend Doug Burge. 'It was probably the most fun we ever had.' Harris, who owned the multimillion-dollar agribusiness Harris Farms, has died. He was 81. Those who knew Harris described him as an acclaimed rancher, farmer and horse-racing enthusiast who devoted himself to his passions to the end. Harris Farms confirmed his death in a statement shared on July 3. No details, including cause of death, were provided. Harris was born on July 14, 1943, and resided in Fresno County all of his life. He earned a degree in agricultural production at UC Davis before serving in the U.S. Army for two years. Harris took ownership of Harris Farms following his father's death in 1981. He oversaw all operations of the ranch, which encompasses a thriving farm that produces more than 30 types of crops including garlic, pistachios and wine grapes, as well as the horse-breeding operation, according to its website. Harris Farms was known for the beef it produced, but the cattle-raising portion of the business was sold in 2019. Harris nurtured a steadfast passion for horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry in Northern California, according to friends and family. He was a former president and board member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn. and served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the National Jockey Club. According to those who worked with him, he shaped the horse-racing industry into what it is today. 'He had a love for the land, everything from farming to raising horses,' said Burge, the current president of the CTBA, who knew Harris as a mentor and friend for more than 30 years. Harris was a longtime, dedicated advocate for the agricultural industry, according to Oscar Gonzalez, the vice chairman of the California Horse Racing Board who previously served as assistant secretary of Agriculture during the Biden administration. 'Mr. Harris was just a phone call away,' he said. 'When I was in Washington, D.C. ... and I needed a point of reference or background information on an issue involving agriculture, or water or immigration, he was always somebody that had context in that background.' One of Harris' last advocacy efforts was just a couple of weeks ago, when he fought to reinstate live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair, a proposal that was ultimately unsuccessful. 'We will never give up continuing this storied tradition of Fresno racing. Today's story is not the end — we will come back again next year,' Harris said, according to the Business Journal. Justin Oldfield, a thoroughbred breeder and a chairman of the CTBA, said that Harris wanted everyone in the industry to be successful, always offering mentorship and help to those who needed it. 'For as successful as a businessman as he was, you would have never have known it from the way he treated you,' Oldfield said. 'John was an extremely humble, down-to-earth individual that treated everyone with respect, treated everyone like they had value.' He said that he once went to a horse racing industry event honoring Harris with more than 3,000 attendees. 'I can't even imagine how many people are gonna be at his funeral,' Oldfield said. Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie, and others 'whose lives were enriched by his strength of character and enduring compassion,' the statement from Harris Farms said.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
John C. Harris, California horse breeder with ties to 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, dies at 81
COALINGA, Calif. — John C. Harris, a breeder of thoroughbreds whose Harris Farms foaled and raised 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow, has died. He was 81. John C. Harris, California horse breeder with ties to 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, dies at 81 He died Wednesday, according to Harris Farms. No cause of death or location was provided. Harris didn't breed either California Chrome, a two-time Horse of the Year, or Tiznow, but both spent their early years at his Coalinga farm in California's San Joaquin Valley near Fresno. Both horses were elected to the sport's Hall of Fame. California Chrome was the first California-bred to win the Derby since 1962. The colt went on to win the Preakness, but had his Triple Crown bid derailed in the Belmont. Harris Farms stood many leading California sires, including Unusual Heat, Cee's Tizzy, Lucky Pulpit, Eclipse Award winner Acclamation and Smiling Tiger. Harris was born on his family's farm on July 14, 1943. He graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1965 with a degree in animal production. He served for two years in the Army. He became the sole shareholder and CEO of Harris Farms in 1981 following the death of his father, Jack, and led the ranch for decades, including Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Ranch Beef Co., Harris Feeding Co., Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh. Harris was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting his alma mater as well as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fresno State. He donated horses to a program at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga that gives horses and prisoners a new start through its vocational training program. 'Mr. Harris' foresight, courage and willingness to invest his energy and assets in making our sport be better and rise higher in the eyes of the general public was a thing of pure beauty,' the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club said in a statement. 'We owe him a great debt for dedicating his life to the marvelous animals we all love.' Harris served as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board for three years and was a longtime board member and former president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and was a member of the California Racing Hall of Fame. 'No one understood and appreciated the intersection of agriculture and Thoroughbred breeding and racing more than John, who was a farmer at heart,' Tom Rooney, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said in a statement. 'His presence was felt from his native California, to the farms and sales rings he frequented in central Kentucky, and all the way to Washington, D.C., where he helped shape and support the industry's federal policies.' Harris was involved in horse breeding and racing for more than 50 years. He gave trainer Carla Gaines her first horse in 1989 and she went on to train numerous stakes winners for Harris Farms. 'His contributions to the thoroughbred industry in our state cannot be overstated and his support was unwavering,' Santa Anita Park said in a statement. 'The green and white Harris Farms silks were omnipresent in Santa Anita's winner's circle and the legacy of the man they represent will be everlasting.' Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie. horse racing: /hub/horse-racing This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
John C. Harris, California horse breeder with ties to 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, dies at 81
COALINGA, Calif. (AP) — John C. Harris, a breeder of thoroughbreds whose Harris Farms foaled and raised 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow, has died. He was 81. He died Wednesday, according to Harris Farms. No cause of death or location was provided. Harris didn't breed either California Chrome, a two-time Horse of the Year, or Tiznow, but both spent their early years at his Coalinga farm in California's San Joaquin Valley near Fresno. Both horses were elected to the sport's Hall of Fame. California Chrome was the first California-bred to win the Derby since 1962. The colt went on to win the Preakness, but had his Triple Crown bid derailed in the Belmont. Harris Farms stood many leading California sires, including Unusual Heat, Cee's Tizzy, Lucky Pulpit, Eclipse Award winner Acclamation and Smiling Tiger. Harris was born on his family's farm on July 14, 1943. He graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1965 with a degree in animal production. He served for two years in the Army. He became the sole shareholder and CEO of Harris Farms in 1981 following the death of his father, Jack, and led the ranch for decades, including Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Ranch Beef Co., Harris Feeding Co., Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh. Harris was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting his alma mater as well as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fresno State. He donated horses to a program at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga that gives horses and prisoners a new start through its vocational training program. 'Mr. Harris' foresight, courage and willingness to invest his energy and assets in making our sport be better and rise higher in the eyes of the general public was a thing of pure beauty,' the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club said in a statement. 'We owe him a great debt for dedicating his life to the marvelous animals we all love.' Harris served as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board for three years and was a longtime board member and former president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and was a member of the California Racing Hall of Fame. 'No one understood and appreciated the intersection of agriculture and Thoroughbred breeding and racing more than John, who was a farmer at heart,' Tom Rooney, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said in a statement. 'His presence was felt from his native California, to the farms and sales rings he frequented in central Kentucky, and all the way to Washington, D.C., where he helped shape and support the industry's federal policies.' Harris was involved in horse breeding and racing for more than 50 years. He gave trainer Carla Gaines her first horse in 1989 and she went on to train numerous stakes winners for Harris Farms. 'His contributions to the thoroughbred industry in our state cannot be overstated and his support was unwavering,' Santa Anita Park said in a statement. 'The green and white Harris Farms silks were omnipresent in Santa Anita's winner's circle and the legacy of the man they represent will be everlasting.' Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie. ___ AP horse racing:
Courier-Mail
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
2024-25 Champion Australian Racehorse awards nominees
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Horse of the Year award is a lock but try selecting the champion two-year-old or the best three-year-old filly. The three-year-old male award is up for grabs, the title of best sprinter isn't cut and dried, and neither is the stayer category for that matter. Unlike most years when these awards are reasonably predictable, most of the 2025 Champion Australian Racehorse award categories are wide open with the obvious exception of Horse of the Year which the Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina will win by about as far as her spectacular eight lengths Cox Plate romp last spring. The two-year-old award is one of the tightest as there was a different winner of each of the five Group 1 juvenile races this season including Marhoona and Devil Night who both scored their only stakes win in the Golden Slipper and Blue Diamond respectively. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Nepotism won the Group 1 Champagne Stakes and Group 3 Baillieu Handicap while Vinrock was unbeaten in three starts and became first horse since Full On Aces (1981) to win the Group 2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes and Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes double. Cool Archie made a late season surge with five consecutive wins including the Listed Dalrello Stakes, Group 2 Champagne Classic, Group 2 BRC Sires Produce Stakes and Group 1 JJ Atkins. Even Tempted — who won twice at Group 2 level and was luckless in the Blue Diamond (seventh) and Golden Slipper (third) – O' Ole (Magic Millions) and Within The Law will have some support. The three-year-old filly division is also very contentious. Treasurethe Moment won eight races in succession including the VRC Oaks-ATC Australian Oaks double and Vinery Stud Stakes at Group 1 level but how does that compare to Lady Shenandoah's unbeaten season of five wins featuring Group 1 successes in the Flight Stakes and Surround Stakes and her defeat of older mares in the Coolmore Classic? The contenders for the major gongs in the 2025 Champion Austraian Racehorse awards. Picture: Winx wins the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Aeliana's outstanding ATC Australian Derby win by more than five lengths puts her into the conversation, Autumn Glow is unbeaten after four starts with three at stakes level, and Lady Of Camelot might have been winless this season but she was placed four times at Group 1 level and ran fourth in The Everest. Broadsiding (Golden Rose, Rosehill Guineas) was the only multiple Group 1 winner in the three-year-old male division but unbeaten Private Harry (The Galaxy), Linebacker (Randwick Guineas, defeating Broadsiding), Switzerland (Coolmore Stud Stakes), Private Life (Caulfield Guineas) and Maison Louis (Queensland Derby) will collate votes. It's anyone's guess for Champion Sprinter. Did Bella Nipotina do enough winning The Everest (and Russell Balding Stakes) to edge out dual Group 1 winners Joliestar (Newmarket Handicap, Kingsford Smith Cup) and Jimmysstar (Oakleigh Plate, All Aged Stakes), or Briasa (TJ Smith Stakes), Overpass (Winterbottom Stakes) and Schwarz (William Reid Stakes)? • Richard Callander: Forget wagering – this is racing's biggest battle Champion Stayer often goes to the Melbourne Cup winner but this was Knight's Choice's only win of the season which brings the likes of Duke De Sessa (Caulfield Cup), Dubai Honour (Tancred Stakes), Arapaho (Sydney Cup, Sandown Classic), Campaldino (Brisbane Cup), Alalcance (Manion Cup, Chairman's Quality), Land Legend (The Metropolitan) and Zardozi into the mix. But champion mare Via Sistina was the standout of 2024-25, winning seven of her nine starts, all at Group 1 level to equal the record for most majors in a season set by all-time great Winx in 2018-19. • Via Sistina is back … and she'll again blaze her record-breaking trail Via Sistina also won the Winx Stakes, Turnbull Stakes, Champions Stakes, Verry Elleegant Stakes, Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes over distances ranging from 1400m to 2000m so she will also claim the Middle Distance award, too. With Via Sistina certain to win Horse of the Year, it will be the eighth time in 10 years a Waller-trained galloper has won the coveted title. Waller also prepared the only four-time Horse of the Year winner, Winx (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19), as well as Nature Strip (2019-20, 2021-22), and Verry Elleegant (2020-2021). Selected racing officials and media start voting on the awards this week with the winners announced at a special Hall of Fame-Horse of the Year function in Brisbane on August 31. Originally published as 2024-25 Champion Australian Racehorse awards: Via Sistina's a special but other categories wide open
