New & Prospective Owners Attend Claiming Seminar at Bay Meadows
Participants at Phil Oviedo's barn for a barn tour.
Panel speaking to the audience on claiming.
San Mateo, CA (Mar. 27, 2007) – An intimate group of 15 new and prospective owners learned the ins and outs of claiming from owner Michael Strohmaier, trainer Brian Pitnick and CHRB Steward Dennis Nevin, at the latest TOC seminar on Saturday, Mar. 24, at Bay Meadows Racetrack. Nevin began the panel discussion by covering the rules and regulations that surround claiming. He spoke in depth on licensing, the importance of completing claim slips properly, and making sure the owner’s paymaster account has sufficient funds prior to “dropping a claim.” Nevin also touched on the post-race responsibilities of the new and old owners. Strohmaier followed with his insight as an owner with more that 25 years in the business. He stressed that, in his opinion, claiming should be looked at as a short-term investment, and owners should have a solid business plan in place before getting into the game. Lastly, Pitnick provided insight on what he looks for in a claiming horse, how he places his horses in claiming races, and some of the risks involved when claiming. The group participated in a brief question and answer session, as panel members shared some success stories that originally started in the claiming ranks. The group then headed to the barn area for a tour of trainer Phil Oviedo’s barn, where they were given a hands-on look at the day in the life of a trainer. Upcoming TOC Northern California events include an Open Forum for TOC members in the TOC Lounge (adjacent to the paddock) at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, Apr. 28, and “Ownership 101 – The Business of Racehorse Ownership” at Trackside Court, Golden Gate Fields, on Saturday, May 12. TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters. Additionally, the organization provides ongoing educational opportunities for current and prospective owners, regularly presenting programs on Thoroughbred ownership including Ownership 101 Seminars, Advanced Horse Courses, and Conformation Clinics.