Tag: Dale Baird

Running for a tag, like on this Oaklawn Park claimer, is the tricky foundation of horse racing. And trainers at Del Mar are claiming horses at a rate threatening a 16-year-old record. (Image: Sarah Andrew Photo)

Staking A Claim: The Name of Del Mar’s Racing Game This Summer

- 3 min read

One of Del Mar’s mottos is “cool as ever,” a saying that doesn’t apply to the claiming department for this summer season. The track where the “turf meets the surf,” to borrow another Del Mar phrase, became the track where the claim game is hotter than ever. For the first […]

Trainer Steve Asmussen (center) celebrates with his family and connections of Stellar Tap, who gave the trainer his record 9,446th victory Saturday at Saratoga. (Image: Chelsea Durand/NYRA Photo)

Steve Asmussen Gallops Past North America’s Training Record

- 4 min read

Steve Asmussen used Saturday’s Whitney Day at Saratoga as his record-breaking canvas, becoming North America’s winningest Thoroughbred trainer by claiming his 9,446th career race. That leapfrogged the 14-year-old mark of 9,445 set by the late Dale Baird. Stellar Tap did the honors for the Hall of Fame trainer. Owned by […]