Trainer Ralph Irwin
Born:11/15/49, Columbus, Nebraska Resides:Hot Springs, Arkansas Family:Pam, wife; Sonja, daughter; Corey, son
The first Saturday of the current meeting, Ralph saddled Melissa Cantacuzene’s Doyouwanttodance to score an upset triumph in the 25th running of the $50,000 AmericanBeauty Stakes. The talented filly is among the leaders of Irwin’s 12-horse stable at Oaklawn.
Irwin is the son of the late Robert Irwin, Oaklawn’s champion trainer in 1965, 1966 and 1968.
Racing fans may not realize Irwin’s name is associated with the “Tortuga” horses.“Tortuga Straits is a half brother to Tortuga Flats, a filly who won the $100,000Louisiana Champions Day Lassie and a couple of other stakes in 2005,” said Irwin. “He races for Mrs. (Karla) Balensiefen whereas Tortuga Flats raced for Mr. (John) Balensiefen.
One was voted the champion Louisiana-bred juvenile filly of her year; the other was later named the champion colt.
”Developing quality horses is nothing new for Irwin.He has long trained for such owners as the Noteboom, Cantacuzene and Balensiefen Families.
Over the years, Irwin has raced such other quality runners as L.A. Spider Legs, I’ve Got The Key, Donaldson, Wingandaprayer, Lexington Park, and Crestofdawn at Oaklawn.
Irwin’s father was long associated with the Marion Van Berg family."My dad was practically raised by the Marion Van Berg family. We are all out of Columbus, Nebraska," said Ralph.
Marion Van Berg, a member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, was among the greatest horsemen America has produced and for many years was an Oaklawn regular.
"Dad was with Mr. Van Berg from 1933 until the latter's death in 1971," Iriwn recalls."I came up under Jack Van Berg, who like his father, is in the hall of fame.As a kid, I walked hots for Mr. Van Berg, but have since put in two stints - one for eight years - with Jack. I was with Jack when Bill Mott.was a young man with us."
Asked what things Jack emphasized in developing so many trainers, Ralph was quick to reply, "honesty, dedication,hard work and attention to detail.Marion VanBerg was the same."
A lot of horsemanship comes from these four; the two Van Bergs and the two Irwins.
“There is a lot of Marion and Jack Van Berg’s training in all of us, as well as fellows like Bill Mott and Frank Brothers, both of whom came out under Jack.“Dad won a number of titles,” said Irwin.
“He never raced much in the East, but Mr. Van Berg once sent him to Laurel with some horses. Coming down to the last day my father led the list by one winner, but the fellow in second placed had several short priced horses on the final program. Dad had to ship home a day early."
As things developed, Irwin held on to win the title.“Laurel sent him a large and beautiful ring. Dad was real proud of that ring. At my father’s death, the ring passed on to me,” Irwin said.