Michael McCarthy’s journey in horse racing is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the profound importance of family. For years, he honed his skills as a top assistant to renowned trainer Todd Pletcher, managing some of the finest equine athletes in the sport. Yet, the demanding nature of the job, requiring him to be based 3,000 miles away from his family for significant portions of the year, presented a difficult dilemma. The longing to be present for his daughter Stella’s milestones ultimately led him to a life-altering decision: to return to his roots in California and establish his own training stable. This pivotal shift, while challenging, marked the beginning of an independent career that would soon see him rise to prominence in the racing world.
McCarthy’s formative years were steeped in the atmosphere of Arcadia, California, a town intrinsically linked with the iconic Santa Anita Park. Though not from a racing family, his father’s sporting background and his own athletic inclinations drew him inexorably to the racetrack. His early experiences, from working for trainer John O’Hara to clocking horses and pursuing an Animal Science degree at Cal Poly Pomona, were all stepping stones towards his ultimate calling. These formative years, including stints at a training center in Japan and The National Stud in England, instilled in him a deep understanding of the horse and the dedication required to succeed in this demanding industry. “Working at the racetrack was what I really wanted to do,” McCarthy reflected, recognizing the maturity and commitment the backside demands.
The opportunity to work for Todd Pletcher arose through jockey agent Ron Anderson, though initial attempts to connect were met with polite dismissals. However, timing, as Pletcher notes, is often key in this business. When Pletcher’s assistant, George Weaver, ventured out on his own, the door creaked open for McCarthy. A visit to Belmont Park solidified the prospect, and on August 25, 2002, McCarthy joined Pletcher’s formidable operation. He quickly proved his mettle, transitioning from foreman to a capable assistant, absorbing the intricate workings of Pletcher’s extensive organization. His decade-long tenure, marked by travels to prestigious international races like Hong Kong with Texas Glitter, provided an invaluable foundation for his future endeavors.
Establishing an independent stable in 2014, starting with a single horse named Battier, was a stark contrast to the Pletcher enterprise. McCarthy recalls the early days as a period of intense self-reliance, where he was his own groom, hotwalker, and night watchman, all while navigating the uncertainty of phone calls and owner interest. “There’s a lot of questioning,” he admitted, wrestling with self-doubt but refusing to accept failure. The partnership with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, founded by Aron Wellman, proved to be a turning point. Wellman, who knew McCarthy from his Santa Anita days, recognized the trainer’s potential and the timing of their collaboration was fortuitous.
The filly Illuminant, though not an immediate success, became a symbol of McCarthy’s patient approach. It took five starts and nearly a year for her to break her maiden, but seven months later, she clinched her first Grade 1 victory in the Gamely Stakes. This achievement, along with subsequent wins in the Wishing Well Stakes and Monrovia Stakes (G2T), showcased McCarthy’s astute horsemanship and his ability to nurture talent. Wellman was particularly impressed by McCarthy’s composure, noting, “For him to be short on horse stock, needing to win races and make a name for himself, it spoke volumes about his composure and poise.” Illuminant’s success was not just a personal triumph but a significant validation of McCarthy’s ability to develop a top-level talent, proving to himself and others that his methods were working.
The year 2018 marked a definitive breakout for Michael McCarthy. City of Light emerged as a star, capturing victories in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2), Triple Bend Stakes (G1), and the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). Beyond City of Light, McCarthy also demonstrated his training prowess with other notable horses, including The Lieutenant, Axelrod, Paved, and Liam the Charmer, securing nine graded stakes wins in total. His horses earned nearly $4 million from just 191 starts, a remarkable feat that underscored his strategic approach and dedication. McCarthy’s philosophy remains grounded in consistency: “Bottom line is you have to keep showing up and enjoy the process.”
The intensity that Michael McCarthy brings to his craft mirrors that of his former mentor, Todd Pletcher. Both trainers exhibit laser-focus during the crucial morning training hours, a period McCarthy describes as setting the tone for the entire day. However, as the day progresses, particularly at Barn 16 at Gulfstream Park, the intensity softens, allowing for precious moments with his family. He cherishes the opportunity to share his passion with his wife, Erin, and daughter, Stella, acknowledging their sacrifices in a demanding industry. “It’s a selfish kind of industry, doing what we do,” he candidly states, emphasizing his commitment to pulling his own weight. This blend of unwavering dedication to his profession and a deep-seated commitment to his family defines Michael McCarthy, a trainer who has not only achieved significant success but has done so on his own terms, proving that ambition and love can indeed go hand in hand.
