Another stallion is ready to return to the track after spending time in the breeding shed.

Debra Budahn’s classy Claudius Augustus will make his seasonal debut in this coming Friday’s Open Trot at Cal Expo after having spent the first part of the year in the breeding shed.

Vickie Desomer is among those eagerly looking forward to Claudius Augustus' sons and daughters hitting the racetrack in 2014.

“'Claudius' served 17 mares in 2011,” Vickie noted. “They included such champion mares as Walter and Patty Peterson’s Kimmie Girl, Denise and Tim Maier’s Smooth Jazz and our mare, Ahh Saundra.
“His first foals are now weanlings and they appear to carry on the look and personality of their sire. Claudius proved to be a very able and willing student of the breeding shed, going about his duties with enthusiasm and class.”

It should be pointed out that Debra Budahn had the opportunity to stand Claudius Augustus elsewhere to a greater number of mares, but chose to keep him close by her in California, and the harness industry in the Golden State is much better off because of that decision.
This year, the eight-year-old son of Angus Hall was bred to eight mares. At the conclusion of the breeding season he was returned to training duties with Bob Johnson.

“It’s my guess that Claudius will have as much success in the breeding shed as he’s had on the racetrack,” Desomer added. “He was wonderful to handle and easy to work with. We’ll be watching him with interest.”

(With files from Cal Expo)