NEWS
Asmussen breaks record for single-season wins
Posted: Sunday, November 23, 2008 3:05 PM
STEVE ASMUSSEN
Photo by Z
Trainer Steve Asmussen eclipsed his own record for most North American victories in a season when Prophesy rallied from off the pace to win the opening race on Sunday at Remington Park.
Prophesy’s victory gave Asmussen his 556th win of the year. He set the previous record in 2004 when he amassed 555 victories.
"We've had a tremendous year, made possible by some tremendous opportunities and my outstanding help,” Asmussen said.
Asmussen’s starters have amassed $21,986, 341 in purse earnings, 71 stakes wins, and 18 graded stakes victories thus far this season. He is best known as the trainer of reigning Horse of the Year Curlin, who has posted North American wins this year in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1), Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1), and Woodward Stakes. His victories at Nad al Sheba Racecourse in the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 29 and a prep race on February 28 are not included in the milestone total.
Curlin won the 2007 Preakness Stakes (G1), Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1), and Jockey Club Gold Cup en route to the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year.
A native of Gettysburg, South Dakota, Asmussen resides in Arlington, Texas with his wife, Julie, and three children, Keith James, Darren Scott, and Eric Mark.
“I was watching the race, and my wife called to congratulate me,” Asmussen said. “I said, 'They're at the half-mile pole!' "
Asmussen received his introduction to horse racing from his parents Keith, a former jockey and trainer, and Marilyn, a trainer. Asmussen took out a jockey license at age 16 and rode for three years in New Mexico, California, and New York.
He began training Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses in 1986 and enjoyed his first major success with Valid Expectations, a multiple graded stakes winner.
A finalist for the Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer in 2004, ’05, and ’07, Asmussen has led the trainer standings at Lone Star Park, Oaklawn Park, Keeneland Race Course, Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs, Remington Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Ellis Park, and Retama Park.
Prophesy was rated in fourth by Luis Quinonez, wore down pacesetter Miss Pisqualie in the stretch, and held off runner-up Garbu and She to prevail by a half-length as the 1.30-to-1 favorite in the 7 1/2-furlong claiming race.
Asmussen, 43, leads the trainer standings at Remington. He tied the single-season record on Saturday when Padua Stables' Union Strike won the tenth race at Fair Grounds.
