Michael W. McCarthy has established himself as a prominent figure in the horse racing industry, consistently achieving high-level success as a trainer. His career is marked by a significant number of wins, substantial earnings, and the development of top-tier equine athletes. This profile delves into his career statistics, notable achievements, and current standings.
Career Statistics and Achievements
McCarthy’s statistical record showcases a long and successful career. As of February 12, 2026, he has started 3,138 races, achieving 511 wins, 422 second-place finishes, and 431 third-place finishes. His total career earnings stand at an impressive $52,231,745. This consistent performance underscores his expertise in training racehorses.
Notable Wins and Rankings
McCarthy’s training prowess is highlighted by his success in major racing events. He has achieved significant victories in the Triple Crown series, including first-place finishes in the Preakness Stakes in 2025 with “Journalism” and in 2021 with “Rombauer.” He also secured second-place finishes in the Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby in 2025 with “Journalism,” and a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes in 2021 with “Rombauer.”
Furthermore, McCarthy has a strong record in the Breeders’ Cup races. Notable wins include the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in 2021 with “Ce Ce” and the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2018 with “City of Light.” He has also consistently placed horses in other prestigious Breeders’ Cup events, demonstrating his ability to prepare horses for the highest level of competition.
His consistent performance is reflected in his rankings within the Top 100 lists since 2000. He has been ranked by earnings in the top 20 for multiple years, including 13th in 2025 and 22nd in 2024, indicating his sustained success and high earning potential of his trained horses.
Current Performance and Entries
In the current year, 2026, McCarthy has already demonstrated strong form with 12 wins from 56 starts, earning $657,109. His current statistics show a 21% win percentage and a 43% win, place, or show (WPS) percentage.
McCarthy’s stable is actively competing across various tracks. Recent entries and results as of early February 2026 include:
- Turfway Park (February 12, 2026): “Collecting” entered in a Claiming race.
- Santa Anita (February 13, 2026): “Kitty Marren” entered in a Maiden Claiming race.
- Santa Anita (February 14, 2026): “Endlessly” and “Mondego (GB)” entered in the San Marcos Stakes (Gr. 3).
- Santa Anita (February 15, 2026): “Julia Street” entered in a Maiden Claiming race, and “Catch the Breeze” in an Allowance Optional Claiming race.
- Santa Anita (February 16, 2026): “Dark Blue” entered in an Allowance Optional Claiming race.
Recent race results also show continued success:
- Turfway Park (February 11, 2026): “Miss Queue” finished second in a Maiden Claiming race.
- Santa Anita (February 8, 2026): “Thatsalrightmama” won a Maiden Claiming race, “Yellow Card” won the Clocker’s Corner Stakes, and “Meaning” won a Las Virgenes Stakes. “Theodore George,” “Phosphorescence (FR),” and “Genius Jimmy” also achieved strong placings.
- Santa Anita (February 7, 2026): “Piney Woods” won a Maiden Special Weight race, and “Lord Bullingdon” placed fourth in the Thunder Road Stakes (Gr. 3).
- Santa Anita (February 6, 2026): “Precision (GB)” competed in a Claiming race.
Top Horses Trained
McCarthy has been instrumental in the careers of numerous successful racehorses. Some of his most notable trainees include:
- City of Light: A Grade 1 winner, including the Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., with career earnings of $5,662,600.
- Journalism: A Grade 1 winner of the Preakness S., with earnings of $4,348,880.
- Ce Ce: A Grade 1 winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, with earnings of $2,407,100.
- Smooth Like Strait: A Grade 1 winner of the Shoemaker Mile S., with earnings of $1,813,863.
- Rombauer: A Grade 1 winner of the Preakness S., with earnings of $1,040,500.
These horses, along with many others, have contributed to Michael W. McCarthy’s reputation as one of the leading trainers in thoroughbred racing. His ongoing success and dedication to the sport continue to make him a significant force in the racing world.
