Asmussen reflects on becoming all-time Churchill Downs leader

Churchill Downs barn notes (Coady Photography photo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, June 13, 2020) – Hall of Fame horseman Steve Asmussen surpassed South Louisville native Dale Romans as the all-time leading trainer in Churchill Downs history when 4-year-old filly Drop Dead Gorgeous cruised to a 8 ½-length victory in Friday’s opener for win No. 738 beneath the historic Twin Spires.

“We’ve had our eye on this target for a longtime,” Asmussen said. “If anyone knows American horse racing, they know what Churchill Downs means to the sport. This is a very significant honor. I know the people who have been in this spot before, and been here consistently, and for us to have won the most races is a very proud accomplishment.”

Romans was the record-holder since Nov. 12, 2017 when he surpassed Hall of Famer Bill Mott, who was Churchill Downs’ all-time leader for more than 31 years.

“It means so much to me,” Asmussen said. “I don’t know of anyone who’s fondest and earliest memories of horse racing isn’t the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. I grew up in South Texas and, as a kid, you tried to keep track of the national racing scene. We’ve spent a lot of time and had a tremendous amount of support to even put us in this position we are in today.

“Horses do things for you that you aren’t capable of doing on your own. In sports, you see that certain elevation of different individuals. In our sport, the horse gives the individual those elevations. Valid Expectations raised me to a level where I could compete in graded stakes races on a national level. I made numerous mistakes with him but his attitude and ability overcame it.”

Asmussen is rapidly closing on another significant career milestone. At the start of Saturday, Asmussen had 8,869 career wins, which ranked second and was 576 victories behind all-time North American win-leader Dale Baird’s 9,445.

“If they don’t want me to care, they need to quit keeping track,” Asmussen joked.

If Asmussen follows his trends from the last three years, he could surpass Baird’s record by next Spring.

SATURDAY WORK TAB FEATURES STEPHEN FOSTER CONTENDERS OWENDALE, TOM’S d’ETAT – It was a busy morning at Churchill Downs where 176 horses recorded published workouts including Owendale and Tom’s d’Etat, two of the likely top contenders for the Grade II, $500,000 Stephen Foster on June 27.

Rupp Racing’s recent $100,000 Blame Stakes winner Owendale worked five furlongs in 1:00 shortly after the track opened. Moments later, G M B Racing’s Grade I winner Tom’s d’Etat worked an easy half-mile in :49.

Just five miles away from the Twin Spires, Gulliver Racing, Craig Drager and Dan Legan’s graded stakes placedPirate’s Punch worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Trackside Louisville, Churchill Downs’ satellite training facility. Trainer Grant Forster reported Friday on “Inside Churchill Downs” that the 4-year-old gelding is targeting the Stephen Foster.

Nominations to the June 27 Stephen Foster, along with the $200,000 Fleur de Lis (GII), $100,000 Regret (GIII) and $100,000 Bashford Manor (GIII) close Saturday. For more information, and to nominate, visit: www.churchilldowns.com.

TV SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND – The racing action from Churchill Downs Racetrack throughout the 2020 Spring Meet will be broadcast on FOX Sports’ “America’s Day at the Races,” which will air every race day on either FS1 or FS2. On Saturday, racing will air from 1-2:30 p.m. on FS2, 2:30-6:30 p.m. on FS1 and 3-6:30 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio. On Sunday, racing will air from 2-2:30 p.m. on FS2 and 2:30-6:30 p.m. on FS1. Additionally, Churchill Downs action will be broadcast both Saturday and Sunday on MSG+ from 1-6:30 p.m.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Racing continued Saturday at Churchill Downs with a first post of 1 p.m. There was a $41,597 carryover in the 20-cent Single 6 Jackpot that spanned Races 6-11. … Jockey Martin Garcia will ride Saturday’s card following a minor leg injury that forced him to take off his mounts Friday. … Trainer Bill Mott is one win away from 5,000 career victories. On Saturday, the Hall of Fame horseman had five horses entered at Belmont and one at Churchill Downs (Miss T Too in Race 10). … Jockey Edgar Morales will be off his mounts on Saturday after he suffered a minor foot injury during training at Trackside Louisville. He expects to ride Sunday. … The podcast of Friday’s “Inside Churchill Downs” featuring Steve Asmussen and Grant Forster is available here:https://soundcloud.com/user-204761944/inside-churchill-downs-with-derbymedia-horseracingkk-and-scottshap34-6-12-2020.