Steve Asmussen

Born: Nov. 18, 1965

• Among the leading trainers in the country, Asmussen collected his 11th leading trainer title in 2021 with 60 victories. Asmussen also topped the Oaklawn standings in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
• Shattered his previous Oaklawn single-season record for purse earnings in 2021, amassing $6,057,877 and surpassing his 2019 record of $5,644,609.
• Won eight stakes races in 2021 at Oaklawn, including three with Silver State and the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) with Super Stock, co-owned by his father Keith.
• Became the winningest trainer in North America Aug. 7, 2021, when Stellar Tap gave him his 9,446 victory, surpassing the late Dale Baird.
• 2021 was also highlighted by 10 Grade 1 wins, including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) with Echo Zulu, who is all but assured to become his ninth champion after her undefeated season. Also, has a leading candidate for Champion Sprinter, Jackie's Warrior, who won four stakes during the year.
• Won his 1,000th career stakes Jan. 18, 2020 at Fair Gounds with Finite. Only D. Wayne Lukas and Todd Pletcher have also reached this milestone.
• In 2019, won Oaklawn stakes with Mitole and Midnight Bisou, who ended the year being named Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Mare, respectively.
• Had a memorable 2016 highlighted by his induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and third Triple Crown race victory with Creator in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Earlier, the Tapit colt provided the trainer with his third Arkansas Derby triumph.
• Won his 7,000th North American race April 1, 2015 at Oaklawn with Drama Coach.
• Trained three consecutive Horse of the Year winners in Curlin (2007 & ’08) and Rachel Alexandra (2009). Curlin won the 2007 Rebel and Arkansas Derby, while Rachel Alexandra won the Martha Washington and Fantasy (while trained by Hal Wiggins). Asmussen’s fourth Horse of the Year winner, Gun Runner, began his 2017 championship campaign with a victory in Oaklawn’s $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3). Saddled Gun Runner to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) later in the year.
• Curlin became his first Triple Crown race winner when he took the 2007 Preakness Stakes (G1). He won that same race two years later with the filly, Rachel Alexandra.
• Eclipse Award-winning trainer in 2008 and 2009. Other champions he has trained are Untapable, My Miss Aurelia, and Kodiak Kowboy.
• Grew up in racing with a mother who trained and a father who rode. His parents still operate El Primero Training Center in Laredo, Texas. His brother, Cash, was a world-renowned jockey before turning to training. Steve began training in 1986 and had his first Oaklawn starter in 1989.