Dallas Stewart earns 1,000th victory with Smoken Wicked in LaChampions Day Juvenile

Fair Grounds press release by Kevin Kilroy. Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges Jr. photo of Smoken Wicked taking Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile

New Orleans, La (Dec. 14, 2024) –  Veteran trainer Dallas Stewart reached a major milestone on Dec. 14 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, saddling his 1,000th career winner when his horse, Smoken Wicked won the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile. The Mississippi native, who began his training career in 1985, celebrated in the winner’s circle with Murray Valene, owner of Smoken Wicked.

“It’s a special win for special people,” said Stewart, whose main base throughout his training career has been Churchill Downs. “I’m very fortunate to train for great people. I want to thank everyone who I ever trained any horse for, that they gave me a chance. That’s what it’s all about.”

Stewart’s career began under Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, where he honed his skills managing top-tier horses like Lady’s Secret, Thunder Gulch and Winning Colors. Since venturing out on his own, Stewart has carved out a distinguished path with 10 Grade I victories among his 48 graded stakes wins, amassing more than $67 million in earnings. His training resume includes two Breeders’ Cup Distaff champions—Unbridled Elaine and Forever Unbridled—as well as Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Lemons Forever in 2006.

“You need a lot of support in this game,” Stewart said. “I’ve got a great group of people behind me that have worked for me for a long time; I’ve got my beautiful family. You’ve got to work with good people that support you. You’ve got to get your butt up out of bed and go to work, no matter the good days, the bad days. I’ve done that and it’s been good to me.”