Julio Canani, a renowned horse trainer whose career was marked by significant victories and a vibrant personality, passed away on February 5th at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, at the age of 83. Canani was known not only for his success on the racetrack, including training Breeders’ Cup winners, but also for his love of the spotlight and his engaging presence, which extended beyond the world of horse racing. He was a figure who reveled in attention, much like he enjoyed accepting trophies after a major race. His charismatic nature was evident even in his appearances outside the racing circuit, such as dressing up in a giant green hat at Santa Anita Park on St. Patrick’s Day, or his memorable, albeit brief, acting roles.
Canani’s foray into acting included appearances in a few episodes of the HBO series Deadwood, a project he spoke of with enthusiasm, relishing the opportunity to portray a character with an edge. “I get to be in a bar and spit on someone,” Canani once commented about his role in the old West-themed series. This passion for performance and larger-than-life characters was also indulged by his friend, producer and writer David Milch. Milch, who was deeply impressed by Canani’s personality, even incorporated elements of his friend into his television shows. For Milch, Canani trained horses that achieved significant wins, such as Val Royal, the winner of the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T). Before Deadwood, Milch had also featured Canani in a couple of episodes of the popular television series NYPD Blue. “I go over there for fun, and they say, ‘Let’s dress him up,’ ” Canani explained his involvement. This creative collaboration continued when Milch developed the character Turo Escalante for the short-lived racetrack-based series Luck a decade ago. Turo, the Peruvian trainer in the show, was explicitly based on Canani, with Milch infusing the character with an outsize personality, a trait Canani himself possessed in abundance.
Throughout his distinguished career, Julio Canani trained horses to victory in 1,137 races, accumulating purse earnings exceeding $49 million. His professional journey in racing concluded in 2015, following a suspension of his trainer’s license due to alleged improprieties related to the sale of racehorses. Despite this closure, Canani’s legacy is firmly cemented by his numerous high-profile wins during his peak years. He achieved remarkable success on the Breeders’ Cup stage, winning the prestigious Mile race twice. His victories in this event came with Val Royal in 2001 and Silic in 1999. Furthermore, he trained Sweet Catomine to win the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), showcasing his expertise with fillies as well.
One of Canani’s most memorable and surprising triumphs was with the long-shot Martial Law in the 1989 Santa Anita Handicap (G1). The horse, supplemented into the race by a partnership led by Clover Racing Stable, achieved an astonishing victory, winning by 1 3/4 lengths at odds of 51-1. Canani’s post-race humor was as sharp as his training acumen. Recalling the moment he informed his foreman about entering Martial Law in the race, Canani quipped, “You know, that horse turned around and gave me a dirty look.” This anecdote perfectly encapsulates his blend of serious accomplishment and playful wit.
Canani’s success was not limited to the Breeders’ Cup or major handicaps. He demonstrated a consistent ability to win prestigious races, notably capturing the Del Mar Derby (G2T) an impressive four times. His winners of this turf race included the millionaire Ladies Din in 1998, Val Royal in 1999, Blackdoun in 2004, and My Best Brother in 2012. Ladies Din herself was a formidable competitor, with notable victories including the 2000 Eddie Read Handicap (G1T) and the 2002 Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T). Canani also won these races multiple times during his career, further highlighting his skill in preparing horses for major turf events. His roster of top-level winners also included other notable Grade 1 victors such as Tranquility Lake, Special Ring, Hyperbaric, Amorama, and Silver Circus, solidifying his reputation as a trainer capable of developing and campaigning elite Thoroughbreds.
Born in Peru in 1938, Canani’s journey began at a young age when he left his home at 16. After immigrating to the United States, he initially worked in landscaping before finding his way to the racetrack. There, he began by walking hots for the respected trainer A.T. (Tommy) Doyle, a foundational experience that steered him toward a career in racing. Canani officially obtained his trainer’s license in 1968. For several years, he primarily focused on training claiming horses, a crucial segment of the racing economy, until 1975. That year marked a significant turning point when he saddled his first stakes winner, Willmar, in the Oceanside Stakes. A poignant moment in racing history also involved Canani: he was the trainer for jockey Bill Shoemaker’s final mount, Patchy Groundfog, on February 3, 1990, at Santa Anita. Shoemaker, one of the sport’s legends, finished fourth in that race.
Julio Canani is survived by his wife, Svetlana, and their four children: Nick, Lisa, Isabella, and Alexander. He is also remembered by his two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The Canani family has respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals within the Thoroughbred racing community. The legacy of Julio Canani, a trainer who brought both top-tier performance and unforgettable personality to the sport, will continue to be cherished by those who knew him and followed his remarkable career.
