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
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Born in Gettysburg, South Dakota, into a horse-racing family.
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His father, Keith Asmussen, was a trainer, and his mother, Marilyn, also worked with horses.
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His brother, Cash Asmussen, became an internationally successful jockey, particularly in Europe.
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Steve himself briefly rode as a jockey before becoming too tall and heavy to continue, transitioning fully into training.
Training Career Highlights
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Training Debut: Asmussen took out his trainer’s license in 1986.
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Career Wins: He is the winningest trainer in North American history, surpassing 10,000 career victories in 2023—an unprecedented milestone.
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Eclipse Award: Named Outstanding Trainer in the U.S. in 2008 and 2009.
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Hall of Fame: Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016.
Major Horses Trained
Asmussen has conditioned some of the most prominent Thoroughbreds of the 21st century, including:
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Curlin – 2007 & 2008 Horse of the Year; winner of the 2007 Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the 2008 Dubai World Cup.
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Rachel Alexandra – 2009 Horse of the Year; first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes.
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Gun Runner – 2017 Horse of the Year; winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup.
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Midnight Bisou – Champion older dirt female, multiple Grade I winner.
Triple Crown Records
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Kentucky Derby: Despite his vast success, the Derby has been elusive.
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He has trained Derby starters such as Curlin (3rd in 2007), Nehro (2nd in 2011), and Epicenter (2nd in 2022).
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Preakness Stakes: Winner with Curlin (2007) and Rachel Alexandra (2009).
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Belmont Stakes: Has started several contenders but has not won the race.
Notable Achievements
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All-Time Wins Record: Surpassed Dale Baird’s longstanding career-wins record in 2021.
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International Success: Although primarily based in the United States, his horses have won major international races, including the Dubai World Cup.
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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.
Personal Life
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Married to Julie Asmussen; they have three sons.
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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.