October Newsletter

Written by Matthew Scull

First Rodeo Racing • October 2026

Monthly Partner Update

Larmore's debut, FRR V claiming & a December speaking invite

Howdy,

We're a day late on the October newsletter, so it needs to be twice as good. There's a lot going on across the stable this month. Here's where every horse stands, what's next for FRR V, and a couple of ways you can get involved.

FRR IV

Debut Alert

Larmore: 11/13 at the New Belmont Park

This is the big one. Larmore is expected to make his debut on Friday, November 13 at the brand-new Belmont Park. He's training well and the team is happy with where he is.

Fingers crossed the race goes on 11/13. If it does, we'll send out a link to sign up for race day tickets. The owner's hospitality at the new Belmont is very, very nice.

Watch His Latest Workout

BATUS

Target: Turfway Park meet

BATUS is galloping a mile and a quarter every day as she works back up to breezing. Her first breeze should come in the next 2–3 weeks. She'll likely need at least six breezes before she's ready, so we're looking at roughly 8–12 weeks to a start. That puts her on track for the Turfway Park meet.

Two Seven O

Next: Mahoning Valley • 11/23 • Youngstown, OH

Two Seven O is slated to race next at Mahoning Valley in Youngstown, Ohio. Brian and Matt will both be there, and we'd love to make a group trip out of it. If you're interested, let us know. We're thinking about an Airbnb and figuring out the best of what Youngstown has to offer.

FRR III

Florida Patriot

Next: Belmont • mid-to-late November

Her first race back off the layoff was a little disappointing. She may have needed the race, but the fractions set up for her running style. It is what it is. There's another race at Belmont in mid-to-late November that's on our radar, and we're hoping she lands there.

FRR II

Power of Will

Next: Tampa Bay Downs • date TBD

Power of Will has been down in Ocala, and his next start will come at Tampa Bay Downs.

FRR V

Rollover Amounts Are Out

Everyone should have received information with how much you have in rollover funds. Take a look and decide what you'd like to do with it. Reach out with any questions.

First Recruit: A Filly by Cyberknife

In training • Ocala, FL

Our youngster is down in Ocala learning the ropes and getting her education as a racehorse. More to come as she progresses.

Missed the announcement last month? See what eventual trainer Tom Morley thought of her at the sale.

Hear From Tom Morley
Her name is TBD. We'll be minority owners, so we'll be able to suggest a name, but it's customary for the majority owner to name the horse.

Want to Name One?

Refer Your Friends to FRR V

We don't have enough committed yet to secure the majority of a second unraced horse. Have your friends fill out the link below, which also includes some information for them to look through.

Refer a Friend

Claiming Targets

We're actively looking to claim two horses:

  • One for Kentucky to run at Turfway Park this winter
  • One for Oaklawn to run in Arkansas this winter

Right now our claiming focus is the Churchill Downs November meet. With Belmont Park switching to all synthetic in the winter, we're taking a wait-and-see approach there.

If you see a horse you like, send it our way. We'll also be posting horses we like along the way, so keep an eye out.

2027 Events Calendar

We're firming up next year's events calendar. Here's what we did last year:

  • Arkansas Derby AR
  • Kentucky Derby KY
  • Belmont Stakes meetup NY
  • Fourth of July at Monmouth Park NJ
  • Whitney meetup in Saratoga (August sale + racing) NY
  • Travers meetup NY
  • September Sales meetup KY
  • End-of-year party in Lexington KY

We'll likely run a similar lineup, but we want to hear from you. Which events were your favorites? What's missing? Reply and let us know.

December • Arizona Symposium

50 Ideas in 50 Minutes

Matt has been invited to speak at a symposium in Arizona this December. Other speakers include the University of Arizona basketball coach, the President of the University of Tennessee, and the CEO of the UFL.

Matt will be part of 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes with a group of other young horse racing leaders. (Matt here: I have no idea how I backed into this one, but it will be fun!)

We'll each get to pitch ten ideas, one minute for each idea, innovation, or bold proposal that could improve the sport, covering everything from fan engagement and technology to wagering, workforce development, ownership, media, and the racing product itself.

Let's brainstorm together. What are some ideas you have to make racing better?

Thanks for being part of the ride.

Team First Rodeo Racing

Brian, Matt & Nick

First Rodeo Racing
Making horse racing as big as the NFL, one partner at a time.
Matthew Scull