Bill Spawr, a highly respected and long-serving Thoroughbred trainer based in Southern California, announced his retirement in early March, marking the end of a distinguished career. His decision to step away from the demanding world of horse racing was met with a surprising outpouring of admiration, a testament to his dedication and the high regard in which he is held within the sport.
Spawr began his career as a public trainer in 1977, entering a vibrant era of Thoroughbred racing in Southern California. He navigated a competitive landscape alongside legendary figures like Charlie Whittingham, Lazaro Barrera, and Ron McAnally. Initially focusing on the claiming game, Spawr honed his skills against formidable opponents such as Bobby Frankel and Mike Mitchell. Despite a “blue-collar budget,” Spawr earned a reputation for providing exceptional care to all his horses, regardless of their acquisition cost, treating his $5,000 claimers with the same dedication as high-stakes contenders. This approach stemmed from his early experiences working for top stables and a core belief, instilled by Charlie Whittingham, that “no two horses are the same.”
The Spawr Training Philosophy: Unwavering Dedication
Spawr’s training mantra, “No two horses are the same,” guided his meticulous approach. He famously arrived at the barn at 2:30 AM daily to observe his horses, meticulously tracking their eating habits and overall condition. This hands-on, deeply personal regimen naturally limited the size of his stable, allowing for the tightest possible control and ensuring each horse received individualized attention. His commitment meant that any horse running under his care was guaranteed to be thoroughly prepared, a fact recognized and respected by his peers and competitors.
While Spawr’s career statistics are impressive – 1,709 wins from 9,900 starters, accumulating $48.6 million in purse earnings – he prefers to focus on the individuals and relationships that defined his journey. His best season in terms of wins was 85 in 1994, the same year he captured the competitive Del Mar meet. His personal best for stable earnings was $2.7 million in 2001.
Anecdotes from a Storied Career
Spawr’s retirement has provided an opportunity to revisit the myriad colorful stories that fill his memories. One memorable tale involves the claiming of a horse named Restage. Spawr’s owners, Hobie Alter and Fred Carillo, wanted a horse for the specialized five-furlong oval at Pomona. Spawr identified Restage, a horse with a tendency to lug in, as a potential candidate. A complex claiming situation ensued, involving multiple claims, a “shake” (a draw to determine who gets the horse), and even security being called. Ultimately, Spawr secured Restage for Alter, who went on to win 13 races, including the Orange County Handicap.
Another significant chapter in Spawr’s career involved Mister Gennaro. Claimed for $50,000 in 1984, the horse sustained a leg injury but, after a healing procedure, returned to win the Governor’s Cup the following summer. By 1986, Mister Gennaro had blossomed into a top sprinter, winning the Phoenix Gold Cup. Spawr recounts a spirited journey with Mister Gennaro to New Orleans and Oaklawn Park, including a memorable encounter with legendary trainer Jack Van Berg, whom Spawr playfully teased after defeating him in a race.
The 1990 California Cup Classic marked another highlight. With the original jockey a no-show, Spawr’s assistant, Darryl Rader, found Hall of Fame jockey Jorge Velasquez just as he was leaving for his car. Velasquez returned and rode My Sonny Boy to victory, a testament to the serendipitous nature of racing. Years later, Velasquez fondly recalled the win, a moment Spawr cherishes.
Spawr’s early exposure to greatness included working for veterinarian Bob Baker and encountering the formidable Native Diver, a three-time Hollywood Gold Cup winner and Hall of Famer. He also recalled a unique experience in 1975 while running the Joe Manzi stable, where he trained Stained Glass against Telly’s Pop, owned by actor Telly Savalas. The win led to a memorable dinner where actor Rod Steiger, Stained Glass’s owner, entertained Spawr with his W.C. Fields persona.
Learning from the Best and Achieving the Pinnacle
Spawr attributes much of his early development to the mentorship of Charlie Whittingham. Spending time at Whittingham’s barn, Spawr absorbed invaluable lessons from one of the sport’s greatest trainers. This tutelage culminated in a dramatic G1 Matriarch Stakes victory in 1994, where Spawr’s claimed mare, Exchange, narrowly defeated Whittingham’s prized filly, Aube Indienne. The heartwarming moment of Whittingham congratulating Spawr underscored the deep respect between the two horsemen.
Later in his career, Spawr achieved Breeders’ Cup glory with Amazombie. Originally acquired as part of a $5,000 two-year-old package, Amazombie overcame an injury to become a G1 winner of the Ancient Title Handicap and, ultimately, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This triumph earned him the Eclipse Award as champion male sprinter of 2011 and a revered retirement at Old Friends Equine in Kentucky.
Reasons for Retirement and Future Endeavors
Despite his passion for training, Spawr cites the increasing over-regulation in horse racing as a primary factor in his decision to retire. He believes that current protocols, imposed by entities like 1/ST Racing, place undue burdens on trainers, increase costs for owners, and diminish the role of experienced horsemen. Spawr contends that these regulations, which go beyond those of the California Horse Racing Board, often prioritize a one-size-fits-all approach over common-sense horsemanship.
Having spent early March selling equipment and transferring his remaining horses, Spawr is now focusing on his health, which has presented challenges in recent years, including back problems and a fractured ankle. Nevertheless, his passion for horses remains undimmed. He continues to be involved in racing as a consultant for owners and still rises early each morning to observe workouts and maintain his fitness. Spawr looks forward to sharing more of his extensive collection of racing stories, a testament to a life rich in experience and passion.
