trainer, horsemen=s advocate violette passes at 65

63 Pages·2017·30.31 MB·English

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2018
TRAINER, HORSEMEN=S FASIG-TIPTON OCTOBER OPENS MONDAY
by Jessica Martini
ADVOCATE VIOLETTE
LEXINGTON, KY - The Fasig-Tipton October Fall Yearlings Sale will
attempt to build on its record-setting 2017 renewal when it
PASSES AT 65
opens for a four-day run at the company=s Newtown Paddocks
Monday in Lexington. A total of 1,464 yearlings have been
catalogued for the auction, with bidding scheduled to begin
daily at 10 a.m. through Thursday.
A broad cross-section of shoppers were out at the sales barn
on a chilly, but sun-dappled day in Lexington Sunday.
AWe=ve had good steady traffic here at the barns the last two
days,@ said Gainesway=s Michael Hernon. AIt=s been a good mix
of bloodstock agents, trainers and a blend of pinhookers looking
for that sharp early horse to breeze at the 2-year-old sales.@
Cont. p6 (click here)
IN TDN EUROPE TODAY
BUILDING YEAR FOR PROGRESSIVE BERRY
Rick Violette Jr. | Mike Kane
Tom Peacock spoke with Fran Berry, whose hard work since
moving to Britain is beginning to pay off . Click or tap here to
by Bill Finley
go straight to TDN Europe.
Rick Violette, Jr., who achieved success on the racetrack as a
trainer and off the track as a tireless and influential advocate for
horsemen and backstretch workers, died Sunday after a lengthy
illness. He was 65 and passed away at his home in Delray,
Florida.
To racing fans, Violette was known as a steady and long-time
presence among the New York training colony. He began
training in 1977 in his native New England. In 1983, he opened
his own stable in New York and would go on to train major
stakes winners such as Diversify (Bellamy Road), Upstart
(Flatter), Dream Rush (Wild Rush), Read the Footnotes (Smoke
Glacken) and Summer Doldrums (Street Cry {Ire}). But within
racing circles he may have been even better known for his work
on behalf of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's
Association. Before he stepped down in 2017, he had been
president of that group for 10 years and a board member for
more than 25 years.
"Watching Rick bravely battle this pernicious disease these last
few years reaffirms what a fighter he was," said current New
York Thoroughbred Horsemen=s Association (NYTHA) President
Joe Appelbaum. Cont. p3

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TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 3 OF 15 • THETDN.COM MONDAY • OCTOBER 22, 2018
Rick Violette Violette had to engineer his organization through the New
(cont. from p1)
York Racing Association (NYRA)=s bankruptcy and reorganization,
which had the potential to create numerous problems for
horsemen. Violette was able to protect purse money that could
have been lost during NYRA's struggles and then proved to be a
tough negotiator when slot machines came to Aqueduct.
According to a NYTHA press release, Violette was instrumental
in getting the share from the slots that went toward purses to
rise from 5.5% to 7.5%. The difference adds up to about $15
million annually.
But Violette also took the time to look out not just for owners
and trainers, but for backstretch workers and for retired horses.
According to NYTHA, the organization had no money in reserve
in 2007 when Violette took over, but would grow to be so
financially healthy that in 2016 alone it donated nearly $2
Violette in 2008 | Sarah K. Andrew million to benevolence initiatives.
"Rick was so much more than all he contributed to New York
Appelbaum continued, "For three decades, he's been fighting racing," said NYTHA Executive Director Andy Belfiore. "He was a
on behalf of backstretch workers and horsemen, both trainers passionate advocate for the horsemen, the backstretch workers
and owners. We literally wouldn't have the kind of and the horses, and still served as co-chair of the BEST Board
infrastructure on the backside we have today, be that health and President of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred
clinics or scholarships, without Rick. They literally would not Program. He was an invaluable mentor and boss. But most of all
exist. He gave it all to the racetrack. He was >all in= in a way he was incredibly thoughtful and giving, an amazing person I
we're unlikely to ever see again." was so very lucky to call my friend."
Contact Sue Finley for details at 732-747-8060 or [email protected]
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 4 OF 15 • THETDN.COM MONDAY • OCTOBER 22, 2018
"We are profoundly saddened by the passing of our friend,
colleague and leader, Rick Violette," Alan Foreman, the
chairman and CEO of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
(THA), said in a statement. "There aren't enough words to
adequately describe Rick's contributions to the racing industry.
Simply put, he was a giant of our industry and a consequential
force, both in New York racing and the industry as a whole.
Horsemen's leaders are often criticized. Rick was beloved. There
is not a segment of our industry that has not been impacted by
Rick's work. He was consumed with the best interests of New
York racing and the racing industry. He was a force behind the
creation of the THA. He was, perhaps, the most consequential
figure in New York racing over the past 20 years."
Though he was often at the opposite end of the negotiating
table from Violette, NYRA CEO and Chairman Chris Kay also
expressed his admiration for everything Violette had done for
the sport.
"Rick Violette embodied New York racing, and his commitment
to the men and women who are the backbone of our sport was
unparalleled," Kay said. "As the longtime President of the New
York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Rick was a powerful
advocate in Albany for the interests of horsemen and women
across New York. Knowing how hard he worked, and the
determination he showed throughout his life, it was particularly
fitting to see the success Rick enjoyed over the past year with
multiple Grade I winner Diversify. On behalf of the New York
Racing Association, we offer our condolences to Rick's family,
friends and colleagues. He will be missed."
Though Violette had many good horses over the years, his last
stakes winner, Diversify, very well could have been his best ever.
At the beginning of his career, Diversify showed enough talent
that it was clear he would be tough to beat any time he showed
up in restricted New York-bred races.
The 2018 Whitney winner=s circle with Violette at center
Sarah K. Andrew
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 5 OF 15 • THETDN.COM MONDAY • OCTOBER 22, 2018
But Violette was able to take him to a much higher level. The
gelding broke through with a win in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup
in 2017, and this year he won the GII Suburban H. and the GI
Whitney H. Seeking a repeat in this year's Gold Cup, he finished
fifth and came out of the race with a strained tendon that
knocked him out of the GI Breeders' Cup Classic.
"Over the years, Rick became family," said Diversify's owner,
Ralph Evans. "He wasn't just a trainer to us. His passing wasn't a
shock because we knew he wasn't doing well. But for someone
like me, a little guy who stuck with the same trainer for 25 years
or so, it's a blow. I shared Rick with the racing community for 25
years because he spent a great deal of time as an advocate for
owners and trainers, perhaps at the expense of his business.
Rick knew his stuff. He had a splendid mind and worked very
hard. It's a huge loss for the Evans family."
Evans said that Diversify has been turned out and he will also
miss the GI Pegasus World Cup in January. The owner said his
Grade I winner will definitely return to the races in 2019, but he
has yet to decide who will take over his training career.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
REMEMBERING RICK VIOLETTE JR.
by Robert D. Fierro
I saw Rick at Keeneland September where a mutual friend who
did not know of our long-standing friendship asked me, ADo you
know Rick Violette?@ I looked at him and as I replied, AOh, you
mean do I know >Rick-Get-That-Filly-Out-of-My-Barn Violette=?@
He roared and everyone else looked at us not knowing that in
the 1990s I=d asked him to train what turned out to be a pretty
obstinate filly, whom he finally persuaded our syndicate was
wasting our training bills. Shortly after that he came to the fore
with his dedicated leadership in settling the desperate workers
compensation problems, then upending, reforming and
solidifying the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen=s Association.
All through his various tenures I was continually impressed by
his sharp mind, creative solutions, stiff backbone, and in the end
gracious manner and true friendship. To say nothing about his
vaunted abilities as a horse trainer. I was shocked to read of his
passing, as are thousands of those who knew of, and benefitted
from, his efforts. Bless you, Richard, for what you did and who
you were.

FASIG-TIPTON THE OCTOBER SALE PINHOOKING TABLES MONDAY • OCT. 22 2018
Fasig-Tipton The October Sale
Monday, Oct. 22
Hip Sex Pedigree Price Prev Sale Buyer/Agent Current Consignor
14 F Uncaptured-Vegas Babe $37,000 FTK FALL MIX 2017 Douglas S. Arnold Buck Pond Farm
30 F Daredevil-Wallstreeter $52,000 FTN PREF YRLG SAR 2018 Jerry Coult Partners Blake-Albina T'Bred Svcs
31 C Mr Speaker-Watch This Space $40,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Spoke Stables Dromoland Farm
42 F Flashback-What Happens $4,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Ben Glass Denali Stud
44 C Union Rags-Where Woody Bea $100,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 K.M.C.F.F. Stable Indian Creek Farm
46 C Palace Malice-Whisper Wisdom $130,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Genius Stable Dromoland Farm
47 F Daredevil-Who Is Camille $105,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Pintail T’breds/J. Stevens Bloodstock Paramount Sales
52 F Tapiture-Wildcat Victory $24,000 FTK WNT MIX 2018 The Lads Hunter Valley Farm
64 F Constitution-Winning Call $95,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Markham Farm Gainesway
66 F Will Take Charge-Witch Princess $40,000 FTN PREF YRLG SAR 2018 Bluebird Bloodstock Stuart Morris
75 C Shackleford-Yawm Estoora $55,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Frankfort Park Farm Frankfort Park Farm
85 C Pioneerof the Nile-Abbey's Missy $300,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Baccari Bloodstock Chris Baccari
87 C Animal Kingdom-Abbigucci $8,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Potrero Stables Scott Mallory
91 F Astrology-Adele Dazeem $4,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Tuscany Bloodstock Chris Baccari
95 F Tapiture-Afleet Lexi $33,000 OBS WNT MIX 18 Pintail T’breds/J. Stevens Bloodstock Paramount Sales
97 F Animal Kingdom-Age of Silver $52,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Dundrum Farm Paramount Sales
112 F Normandy Invasion-Als Delight $27,000 FTN FALL MIXED 2017 Sally Thomas Sally Thomas
125 C Palace-Angel of Fire $3,500 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Judy Curry Susan M Forrester
127 C Will Take Charge-Annatlantic $70,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 K.M.C.F.F. Stable Indian Creek Farm
141 F Kitten's Joy-Arch Royal $7,000 KEE SEP YRLG 2018 7 Kings Taylor Made Sales
152 F Will Take Charge-Atascosa $20,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Cooper Bloodstock Hunter Valley Farm
163 F Mucho Macho Man-Awesome Surprise $2,500 KEE NOV BRDG 17 M J K Bloodstock Mjk Bloodstock
177 C Lea-Barbarenda $30,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 OB Stables Michael T Barnett
184 F Jack Milton-Bear's Lightning $57,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Abbey Road Farm St George Sales
185 C Daredevil-Beat of The Drum (Ire) $30,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Walter Borisenok/Summerfield Sales Summerfield Sales
197 F Competitive Edge-Belvedera $30,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Back Straight Farm Summerfield Sales
214 C Orb-Black Escort $75,000 FTN FALL MIXED 2017 K.M.C.F.F. Indian Creek Farm
225 C Cairo Prince-Bon Caro $50,000 FTK FALL MIX 2017 Willow Creek Farm Stuart Morris
242 F Karakontie (Jpn)-Broad Causeway $1,500 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Jacob Nance Taylor Made Sales
249 C Tale of the Cat-Brookhaven $52,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Stone Bridge Farm South Point Sales
256 C Uncle Mo-But for Money $175,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Cavalier Bloodstock Woods Edge Farm
FASIG-TIPTON THE OCTOBER SALE PINHOOKING TABLES MONDAY • OCT. 22 2018
Hip Sex Pedigree Price Prev Sale Buyer/Agent Current Consignor
260 C Summer Front-Call Ahead $50,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Roxanne Tucker Bluewater Sales
267 F City Zip-Cape Cod Lady $90,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Glencrest Farm Four Star Sales
268 C Tapiture-Cape Town Queen $15,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Brookstone Farm St George Sales
271 F Ghostzapper-Capitulation $1,025,000 KEE SEP YRLG 2018 Stonestreet Stables Woods Edge Farm
279 C Competitive Edge-Catmeifyoucan $60,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Geoff Nixon/Elise Handler Carl Mcentee
293 F Shakin It Up-Chado $14,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Forever Spring Bloodstock Carl Mcentee
297 F Stormy Atlantic-Charge of Angels $45,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 John G. Sikura Hill 'n' Dale Sales
302 F Pioneerof the Nile-Chicalelee $290,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Blue Sky Stables Gainesway
312 C Flat Out-Circustown Rose $15,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 E.J. Sipus Jr. Vinery Sales
316 F Fast Anna-Class Break $1,000 FTN FALL MIXED 2017 Flip Flop Sales Select Sales
320 F Tiznow-Clear Destiny $85,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 South Point Sales Agency South Point Sales
321 F Aikenite-Clever $1,500 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Cave Brook Farm Hidden Brook
323 F Mr Speaker-Cloudline $20,000 FTK WNT MIX 2018 PDTEH St George Sales
328 F Congrats-Coldfeetwarmheart $37,000 FTI DEC MIX 17 Red Devil Bloodstock Darby Dan Farm
330 C Palace Malice-Colonel Dettwiller $100,000 OBS WNT MIX 18 Baccari Bloodstock Chris Baccari
333 F Shackleford-Combat's Love $2,000 KEE NOV BRDG 17 Amy Hassinger Bluewater Sales
353 C Honor Code-Cottage Vale $250,000 KEE JAN ALL AGES 18 Baccari Bloodstock Chris Baccari