Episode 483. Steve Asmussen-🏇🌹Famed American Thoroughbred Horse Trainer🏇🌹

Steve Asmussen is one of the most accomplished American Thoroughbred racehorse trainers in history.

Early Life and Background

• Born in Gettysburg, South Dakota, into a horse-racing family.

• His father, Keith Asmussen, was a trainer, and his mother, Marilyn, also worked with horses.

• His brother, Cash Asmussen, became an internationally successful jockey, particularly in Europe.

• Steve himself briefly rode as a jockey before becoming too tall and heavy to continue, transitioning fully into training.

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Training Career Highlights

• Training Debut: Asmussen took out his trainer’s license in 1986.

• Career Wins: He is the winningest trainer in North American history, surpassing 10,000 career victories in 2023—an unprecedented milestone.

• Eclipse Award: Named Outstanding Trainer in the U.S. in 2008 and 2009.

• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016.

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Major Horses Trained

Asmussen has conditioned some of the most prominent Thoroughbreds of the 21st century, including:

• Curlin – 2007 & 2008 Horse of the Year; winner of the 2007 Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the 2008 Dubai World Cup.

• Rachel Alexandra – 2009 Horse of the Year; first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes.

• Gun Runner – 2017 Horse of the Year; winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup.

• Midnight Bisou – Champion older dirt female, multiple Grade I winner.

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Triple Crown Records

• Kentucky Derby: Despite his vast success, the Derby has been elusive.

• He has trained Derby starters such as Curlin (3rd in 2007), Nehro (2nd in 2011), and Epicenter (2nd in 2022).

• Preakness Stakes: Winner with Curlin (2007) and Rachel Alexandra (2009).

• Belmont Stakes: Has started several contenders but has not won the race.

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Notable Achievements

• All-Time Wins Record: Surpassed Dale Baird’s longstanding career-wins record in 2021.

• International Success: Although primarily based in the United States, his horses have won major international races, including the Dubai World Cup.

• Training Philosophy: Known for his meticulous attention to horse conditioning, high volume of entries, and ability to manage large racing stables across multiple circuits simultaneously.

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Personal Life

• Married to Julie Asmussen; they have three sons.

• Based primarily out of Churchill Downs (Louisville, KY), Lone Star Park (Texas), and other U.S. tracks, it runs one of the most significant operations in horse racing.