Two trainers say horses bled at Breeders’ Cup

Trainers Mark Casse and John Sadler said Sunday that they had 2-year-old horses bleed during races at the Breeders’ Cup over the weekend at Santa Anita, the first time the anti-bleeding drug Lasix was banned from use in five juvenile races.

Lasix, a powerful diuretic that also can be used to mask other drugs, helps prevent bleeding in horses. Lasix is scheduled to be banned next year from all 15 Breeders’ Cup races.

On Saturday, Dr. Rick Arthur, equine director of the California Horse Racing Board, issued a statement that no horses in the 2-year-old races had been found to have bled following a visible examination by veterinarians on the track and in the receiving barn.

On Sunday, Arthur offered a clarification, saying, “We didn’t scope every horse. We expect others to have blood in the trachea.”

Casse said that his 2-year-old filly Spring in the Air bled “very badly” after racing in the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Friday and finishing fifth.

“My filly started coughing when she pulled up,” Casse said. “She coughed all the way back to the barn.”

Sadler said Capo Bastone, who finished third on Saturday in the $2-million Juvenile, was found to have bled after a scoping. Also bleeding was Monument, who finished ninth in the Juvenile.

A first for Joe Talamo

Jockey Joe Talamo won his first Southern California riding title Sunday, finishing atop the standings of the 24-day Santa Anita autumn meeting.

The 22-year-old Louisiana native became the first jockey other than Joel Rosario or Rafael Bejarano to win a riding title at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park or Del Mar since 2007, when Garrett Gomez won at the Hollywood Park fall meet.

“Ever since I came to California when I was 17, it’s been a goal of mine,” Talamo said. “It hasn’t been easy. A lot of hard work and long hours have been put in.”

Talamo can credit his dabbling into boxing for aiding his rise. He has a private trainer working him out in boxing to help his arm strength and conditioning.

“I think it’s really paid off,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “He can out-finish most guys now. I think it’s the start of big things.”

Talamo said he has every intention of staying in Southern California.

“I love it here,” he said. “I’m a Louisiana boy at heart, but I bought a home here four years ago, and if everything fares well, I should be here a long time.”

Racing moves to Betfair Hollywood Park on Thursday for a 24-day autumn meeting.

Award for Mike Smith

Mike Smith was named winner of the Bill Shoemaker Award as the outstanding jockey at the Breeders’ Cup. He rode Royal Delta to victory in the Ladies’ Classic and Mizdirection to victory in the Turf Sprint.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com