In the world of horse racing, where thunderous hooves and photo finishes often capture the spotlight, the true legends are forged in the quiet moments—in the early morning chill of the backstretch, the patient observation of a horse’s every move, and the intuitive understanding of an animal’s unspoken language. Robert “Bobby” Raymond was a master of these moments. A veteran trainer with a 43-year career and 1,294 wins to his name, Raymond built a legacy not just on victories, but on a profound philosophy of listening to the horse.
For those of us at Equine Excellence, the story of a trainer like Robert Raymond resonates deeply. It’s a narrative that transcends mere sport, touching the very heart of the human-equine connection. His life’s work serves as a powerful reminder that the greatest success comes from empathy, patience, and a genuine love for the animal. Raymond, a product of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, wasn’t just a racehorse trainer; he was a complete horseman, a respected mentor, and a beloved figure whose impact was felt from the barns of Suffolk Downs to the winner’s circle at Tampa Bay Downs.
The Foundation of a Horseman
Every great horse trainer has an origin story, a moment or a period that shapes their entire approach to horsemanship. For Bobby Raymond, this journey began not in the saddle, but with the tools of a farrier. After attending blacksmith school in Oklahoma at 21, he returned home and began shoeing horses. This foundational work gave him a unique perspective, an intimate knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics from the ground up. It was a hands-on education that taught him how a horse’s well-being is built upon the strength and health of its hooves.
However, the most pivotal moment in his education came when he met his mentor, Emilio Rodriguez, a conditioner at Suffolk Downs in the late 1970s. As Raymond prepared to launch his own training career, Rodriguez imparted a lesson that would become the cornerstone of his philosophy. He invited Raymond to sit with him outside the barn and simply watch a horse. For three hours, they sat in near silence, with Rodriguez occasionally reminding him to “keep listening.”
Suddenly, the horse shifted a front leg in a subtle, almost unnoticeable way. “You see, he just talked to us,” Rodriguez explained. “That’s where he’s hurting.” This singular experience was an epiphany for Raymond. It taught him that horses are constantly communicating their physical and mental state, but it takes a quiet mind and a patient eye to understand them. He carried this lesson with him for the next four decades.
The Raymond Philosophy: A Masterclass in Observation
In an industry often driven by data, speed figures, and aggressive training regimens, Bobby Raymond’s approach was refreshingly organic. “They do ‘talk’ to you,” he often said. “They teach you things, if you just read what they’re saying.” This wasn’t some mystical belief; it was a practical methodology built on keen observation and a deep-seated respect for the animal. He believed that a horse’s posture, the flick of an ear, a subtle shift in weight, or a change in appetite were all vital pieces of information.
This philosophy of “listening” allowed him to tailor training to each individual horse, rather than forcing them into a rigid system. It enabled him to catch minor issues before they became serious injuries and to understand a horse’s mental state—whether they were happy, sour, or simply in need of a different approach. This intuitive connection made him not just a trainer, but a trusted partner to the horses in his care.
His success proved the efficacy of his methods. While some trainers were known for pushing horses to their limits, Raymond was known for understanding them. This approach not only led to a remarkable 1,294 wins but also fostered longevity and health in the horses he trained.
Key Principles of Raymond’s Training
- Patience is Paramount: He understood that horsemanship is not a race against the clock. His three-hour lesson in observation with Rodriguez was a testament to his belief in waiting for the horse to provide answers.
- Individuality Matters: Raymond recognized that no two horses are the same. He adapted his techniques to suit the unique personality, conformation, and needs of each animal.
- Health is Holistic: From his beginnings as a farrier, he knew that a horse’s performance is the sum of its parts. He paid meticulous attention to every detail, from feet to feed to state of mind.
A Career Built on Consistency and Character
Bobby Raymond began his official training career in 1979 at Suffolk Downs in Boston, quickly establishing a reputation for his astute horsemanship. He and his wife, Kathy, owned Bobkat Stable farm in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, a home base that grounded his extensive career. In the 2003-2004 season, he made Tampa Bay Downs his winter base, where he would become a fixture and a respected member of the training community for the remainder of his career.
Throughout his 43 years on the track, he conditioned many fine racehorses. Among his most notable were two outstanding mares he considered nearly inseparable in their talent: Technically Wicked, who earned $221,195 with 15 wins and 15 seconds, and Dreamed a Dream, who banked $221,177 from 10 victories. He also trained Zaino Boyz to a victory in the 2019 Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, a highlight in a career filled with consistent success.
Yet, his legacy extends beyond his own winners. Raymond was a mentor to many, including the late jockey Jill Jellison, who rode 1,913 winners before her passing. His character was as solid as his training record. He was known on the backstretch as someone who would never hesitate to help a person in need. His son, Rob, recalled, “He hardly ever took a minute for himself. He had a great love for the animals and all the people he was involved with.”
This sentiment was echoed by the entire racing community upon his sudden passing in May 2022. The outpouring of affection was immense, with condolences coming from as far away as Cuba and Canada. It was a testament to a man who had touched countless lives—human and equine—with his generosity, wisdom, and quiet dignity.
“He touched so many people, and the outpouring of love and affection we’ve received the last 24 hours has been unbelievable.” – Rob Raymond
Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Raymond
Who was Robert “Bobby” Raymond?
Robert “Bobby” Raymond was a highly respected American Thoroughbred horse trainer with a career spanning 43 years. He began training in 1979 and recorded 1,294 career wins. He was known for his patient, observational training philosophy and his kind character.
What was Robert Raymond’s training philosophy?
His core philosophy, learned from his mentor Emilio Rodriguez, was to “listen” to the horses. He believed that horses constantly communicate their physical and mental state through subtle cues, and it was the trainer’s job to patiently observe and understand this unspoken language to provide individualized care and training.
Which were some of Robert Raymond’s most famous horses?
While he trained many successful horses, some of his most notable runners include the mares Technically Wicked and Dreamed a Dream, who were both high-earners with impressive records. He also trained Zaino Boyz, who won the 2019 Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
Where did Robert Raymond primarily train?
He began his career at Suffolk Downs in Boston, Massachusetts. Later, he established a winter base at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida starting in the 2003-2004 season, where he remained a prominent and successful trainer for the rest of his career.
What was the cause of Robert Raymond’s death?
Robert Raymond passed away on May 8, 2022, at the age of 74. His death was caused by septic shock resulting from a bacterial infection that entered a small cut on his leg while wading in water at a park in Florida.
The Enduring Legacy of a True Horseman
The measure of a horse trainer isn’t just found in their win percentage or stakes victories. It’s found in the health and happiness of their horses, the respect of their peers, and the knowledge they pass on to the next generation. By this standard, Robert Raymond was one of the greats. He was a man who understood that dominance in the saddle is temporary, but a true connection with a horse is timeless.
His life’s work is a blueprint for ethical and effective horsemanship. It champions the idea that empathy is not a weakness but a powerful tool, and that the quiet art of listening can yield greater results than force ever could. The story of the Robert Raymond Horse Trainer is a poignant reminder that in the rush to the finish line, we must never forget the spirit and language of the magnificent animals that carry us there.
