HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Steve Asmussen became the first coach with 10,000 wins in North America on Monday as Bet He’s Ready won the fifth race at Oaklawn Park.
Already the most successful coach of all time in the United States and Canada, he hit the set mark of 9,446 on August 7, 2021 in Saratoga to surpass Dale Baird.
The 57-year-old was welcomed into the winners’ circle by family members in Oaklawn. The Arkansas track said it would donate $10,000 to charity on his behalf.
Asmussen has trained champions such as Curlin, Horse of the Year 2007 and 2008; filly Rachel Alexandra, Horse of the Year 2009; and Gun Runner, 2017 Horse of the Year.
Asmussen’s first victory as a thoroughbred coach came on July 19, 1986 at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico. His mother is a retired trainer and his father is a retired jockey. His brother Cash was a champion rider in France.
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