George Handy, a legendary figure in horse racing, may not have started a horse since January 2018, but retirement is far from his mind. With a training career that began in 1946, Handy continues to grace the Gulfstream backstretch daily, actively seeking new equine talent and maintaining an unwavering optimism for future victories. His dedication and passion are bringing him tantalizingly close to a significant racing milestone.
A Quest for a Historic Title
The current record for the oldest trainer to win a race belongs to the late Jerry Bozzo, who achieved this feat at 97. Handy’s son, George Handy Jr., harbors a heartfelt ambition for his father: to surpass Bozzo’s record. “My goal for my dad is to see him win that title, to be the oldest trainer to win a race,” he shared. “He’s so close. He’ll be 96 in July. It would be quite a dream to fulfill. I think it’s something my dad would enjoy. He’s doing fabulous. At the V.A., they said he has the statistics of a 45-year-old. I think he’ll live to be 100.” This aspiration fuels Handy’s daily routine, embodying a spirit of perseverance and a deep love for the sport.
A Day at the Barn
Despite his age, Handy maintains a rigorous schedule, visiting the barn at Gulfstream every morning to oversee his two horses, Storm Warnings and Kimchi’s Strike. While both are currently in light training due to ongoing issues, Handy remains dedicated to their recovery and potential return to racing. His commitment extends beyond his current string; he is actively scouting for new horses, recently visiting Palm Meadows with this purpose. Adding to his prospects, a prominent, anonymous trainer has already promised him a horse, a fit and in-form contender expected to arrive soon. Handy is also hopeful about acquiring a couple more horses to further bolster his stable.
From Navy Service to Racing Glory
Handy’s journey to the racetrack was not a direct one. Initially aspiring to be a jockey, his plans were put on hold when he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He served aboard the USS Kidd, a destroyer that saw intense action, including an invasion of Okinawa where the ship was struck by a kamikaze plane. The attack resulted in 38 fatalities, and Handy himself was wounded by shrapnel, sustaining injuries to his eye and back. He was awarded a Purple Heart and honorably discharged. Reflecting on the experience, Handy stated, “The ship didn’t sink. We were able to get to an island to patch her up. It wasn’t scary. You don’t have time to get scared. The toughest part of it was burying my buddies at sea.” This profound experience did not deter him from his passion; upon returning to civilian life, he pursued his dream in horse racing. “During the war, I got too heavy to be a jockey, so I turned to training,” he explained. His training career commenced in 1946 at Narragansett in Rhode Island, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
A Colorful Character
George Handy is more than just a trainer; he’s a personality. Known for his fondness for the color orange, he was often seen driving vibrant orange sports cars, frequently convertibles, with a companion by his side. His impeccable sense of style is matched by his friendly demeanor and a sharp sense of humor, which he has retained throughout his life. A testament to his enduring spirit, he quipped, “At my age, I don’t buy green bananas.” In 2002, unable to find an orange sports car, he purchased a bright red Mustang convertible, which he still drives today, a symbol of his zest for life.
A Storied Career and Enduring Legacy
Handy’s career has spanned various tracks, with training stints in New England, New Jersey, and Florida before settling at Gulfstream. His “blue-collar stable” achieved significant success, including five training titles at Suffolk Downs. When given quality horses, Handy consistently proved his mettle, notably winning the 1973 Arkansas Derby with Impecunious and the 1981 Tampa Bay Derby and Illinois Derby with Paristo. He is rightfully recognized as a member of the New England Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
While Equibase officially lists him with 770 career wins (records only go back to 1976), Handy estimates his total to be around 2,500 races. Even at 87 in 2011, he managed to win 11 races. However, the number of owners he worked with dwindled, a sentiment he expressed with poignant humor: “What happened is that all my owners died before I did.” His last devoted owner, Barbara-Ann McDonnell, who, along with her husband Francis, was with Handy for over 15 years, passed away the previous year. This left Handy without the consistent support he had long relied upon. Barbara-Ann McDonnell is still listed as the official owner of Storm Warnings and Kimchi’s Strike.
No Plans for Retirement
Despite the challenges and the passage of time, George Handy has no intention of retiring. “I have no plans to retire,” he affirmed. “I’d rather keep busy. I like people and I like horses. I don’t want to quit.” He remains confident in his ability to train and condition horses, stating, “I don’t really think about my age. I just keep working and go to the barn every morning.” His perseverance is an inspiration, and many are eagerly anticipating his next winner, proving that age is merely a number when passion and dedication are at play.
