It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ramon Miguel “Mike” Hernandez, a cherished figure in the horse racing community, who departed this world on Sunday, November 6. Mike Hernandez was not only a dedicated trainer but also held the distinction of being New York’s oldest active trainer on the New York Racing Association circuit before his well-deserved retirement at the age of 87 in November 2011. His life was a testament to his passion for horses and the sport he loved.
Born in Union de San Antonio, Jalisco, Mexico, on January 19, 1923, Mike’s journey into the world of racing began in 1944 with the opening of the Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City. He obtained his trainer’s license in 1951 and, after establishing a notable career in Mexico, made a permanent move to the United States. Supported by mentors and friends such as Cecil Locklear, Laz Barrera, and Pancho Martin, Mike honed his skills managing Clermont Farms in Germantown, NY, before launching his own public stable in 1976.
A Career Defined by Dedication and Success
In collaboration with owner Dominick DeLuke, Mike elevated New York-bred horses to prominence in racing. His stable boasted stakes winners like Fratello Ed, Sir Prove It, and Vandy Sue. Vandy Sue’s victories in the New York Breeders’ Futurity and Finger Lakes Futurity in 1976, during Mike’s first full year training in the U.S., marked a significant early success. This partnership also led to his sole graded stakes victory with Vandy Sue in the 1978 Distaff at Aqueduct. His list of successful trainees further includes Classic Pack, Adirondack Holme, Artistic Express, and Beautiful America, among many others. Mike often reflected, “It was the horses, always the horses. I always loved them and loved the farm. My life has been with animals. It hasn’t been easy but thank God we’ve been lucky to do the best we can.”
Final Tributes and Enduring Spirit
Mike concluded his training career on a high note, leaving Saratoga on closing day with a winner named Tug of War. This horse was co-owned with his close friend Jeffery Raine and trained by his mentee and longtime friend, the late Domonic Galluscio. “New York breds were his specialty. I was lucky to just be around the guy for the last fifteen years of his life,” Raine shared. According to Daily Racing Form statistics, Mike achieved 603 wins from 5,419 starters, with his horses earning $18.8 million in purse money in the U.S. alone.
Mike passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. In a touching farewell, his family shared, “We played Call to Post, we told him it was ‘riders up’ while singing his favorite songs.” They honored him by bringing his body to Saratoga on Sunday afternoon, to barn 76, where he had been stabled for many years. As a final farewell, he was gifted a beautiful sunset for his last “race” on the Oklahoma training track.
Those fortunate enough to have known Mike would describe him with a single word: magical. He possessed a kind heart and formed friendships effortlessly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. His daughters fondly recalled, “Whenever we’d take Dad to the track, we heard endless stories about him starting careers and helping so many families without asking for anything in return. He was selfless and found happiness in other peoples’ achievements.” Mike exemplified hard work, honesty, and authenticity, serving as a moral compass for his family and friends. His tenacity, strength, heart, and humor will undoubtedly live on through those he leaves behind. He was, as his family described, their angel on earth.
Mike is survived by his wife of seventy-one years, Mary; his three daughters, Teresa (Charles) Schirmer, Cathalene Hagney, and Mary (George) Segarra; his son Michael Bowles; his four sisters, Lupe, Amparo, Carmen, and Matilde; his brother Carlos; and over one hundred nieces and nephews.
What a beautiful race, Mike. We’ll see you at the winner’s circle.
A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held at the Saratoga Racetrack during the summer of 2023.
