In the demanding world of thoroughbred horse racing, where success is measured in fractions of a second, Philip D’Amato has firmly established himself as one of the industry’s most respected and successful trainers. Known for his meticulous approach and an uncanny ability to develop turf specialists, D’Amato’s journey from a passionate apprentice to a celebrated conditioner is a testament to dedication, education, and an unwavering commitment to the horse. His story isn’t one of overnight success, but a carefully built career that has redefined excellence on the Southern California circuit and beyond.
D’Amato’s ascent began not just on the track, but in the classroom. He holds a unique combination of degrees: one in political science from the University of Southern California and another in equine science from the prestigious Racetrack Industry Program at the University of Arizona. This dual background provided him with a solid foundation in both the business and the science of racing. However, his most formative education came under the guidance of the late, great trainer Mike Mitchell. For a decade, D’Amato served as Mitchell’s trusted assistant, absorbing the nuances of conditioning and stable management from a master horseman.
When Mitchell retired in 2014, D’Amato took the reins of the operation. He wasted no time in making his mark, quickly demonstrating that he was ready for the spotlight. In his first full year, he amassed over 80 victories, signaling the arrival of a major new force in the training ranks.
Horse trainer Philip D'Amato proudly stands with one of his champion thoroughbreds in a sunny stable, showcasing the bond between them.
The D’Amato Training Philosophy
What sets Philip D’Amato apart is a philosophy rooted in patience and individualized care. He has cultivated a reputation for being particularly adept with turf horses, a skill he honed while observing Mitchell’s methods with modest campaigners. D’Amato learned to draw out the best in his charges, focusing on their specific needs and allowing them to develop at their own pace. This patient approach has paid immense dividends, transforming promising colts and fillies into graded stakes winners.
His stable is not a one-size-fits-all operation. Instead, D’Amato and his team focus on identifying the unique strengths and preferences of each horse. This horsemanship-first mentality ensures that every thoroughbred in his care is placed in a position to succeed, whether it’s selecting the right race, distance, or surface. It is this meticulous attention to detail that has become the hallmark of his training style and a key driver of his consistent success.
“I’d love to win a Breeder’s Cup race or the Kentucky Derby, but of course the pinnacle of success in our industry is the Triple Crown and I hope luck will one day carry me there,” D’Amato has stated, reflecting both his ambition and respect for the sport’s greatest challenges.
A Legacy of Champions and Major Wins
A trainer’s legacy is written by the horses they guide to victory, and D’Amato’s roster of stars is impressive. He scored his first Breeders’ Cup victory in 2016 when the veteran gelding Obviously captured the Turf Sprint, a crowning achievement for both horse and trainer. This breakthrough win on racing’s world championship stage solidified his position among the nation’s elite trainers.
Over the years, the D’Amato barn has been home to a succession of top-tier talent. Horses like:
- Midnight Storm: A multiple graded stakes winner who won the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile.
- Street Fancy: A Grade 1 winning filly who demonstrated his skill with young horses.
- Big John B: A durable gelding who gave D’Amato one of his early graded stakes wins in the Del Mar Handicap.
- Gold Phoenix (IRE): A consistent turf performer who has captured multiple graded stakes.
- Motorious (GB): Another European import who has excelled under D’Amato’s care, particularly in turf sprints.
More recently, D’Amato proved his versatility by conditioning Stronghold to victories in the Sunland Park Derby and the prestigious Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in 2024, marking his first qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. This success demonstrated that his training prowess extends to the main track at the highest level.
How does he select his horses?
Philip D’Amato’s success often begins long before a horse steps onto the track. He is known for having a keen eye for talent, particularly with European-bred horses that are well-suited for American turf racing. He works closely with owners and bloodstock agents to identify prospects with the pedigree, conformation, and mindset to thrive in his program. This strategic acquisition process is a crucial, often overlooked, component of his sustained success.
The Future of Equine Excellence
With career earnings soaring past $85 million and over 1,100 wins to his name, Philip D’Amato is no longer a rising star but a perennial leading trainer. He consistently ranks at the top of the standings at major Southern California meets like Santa Anita and Del Mar. His ability to attract top owners and develop high-caliber racehorses ensures that his stable will remain a dominant force for years to come.
As he continues to build on his already impressive resume, the racing world watches with anticipation. Having conquered the Breeders’ Cup and saddled a starter in the Kentucky Derby, the goals that remain are the sport’s highest peaks. For Philip D’Amato, the horse trainer who built his career on a foundation of diligence and expertise, the journey to the winner’s circle is a path he knows well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Philip D’Amato?
Philip D’Amato is a leading American thoroughbred horse trainer based in Southern California. He is widely recognized for his success, particularly with turf horses, and has won numerous graded stakes races, including a Breeders’ Cup victory.
Where did Philip D’Amato start his career?
D’Amato began his career working under the legendary trainer Mike Mitchell for ten years. He took over Mitchell’s stable in 2014 after his retirement and quickly established his own successful training operation.
What was Philip D’Amato’s first Breeders’ Cup win?
He won his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2016 when his trainee, Obviously, won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park.
Has Philip D’Amato ever had a horse in the Kentucky Derby?
Yes, his trainee Stronghold won the Santa Anita Derby in 2024, qualifying for and becoming D’Amato’s first starter in the Kentucky Derby.
What type of horses does Philip D’Amato specialize in?
While he has had success with dirt horses, D’Amato is particularly well-known for his exceptional ability to train turf runners, including many successful horses imported from Europe.
