Veteran horse trainer Ted H. West, 43, has announced his retirement, marking the end of a lifelong career immersed in the world of racing. West, who held a trainer’s license for 17 years, began his journey on the racetrack at a young age, learning the ropes from his father, the retired trainer Ted West.
“It wasn’t fun and I wasn’t enjoying my job anymore,” West stated, reflecting on his decision. He took over his father’s stable in April 1999 and famously led the California-bred gelding Budroyale to a second-place finish in the prestigious $4 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Budroyale achieved significant success, earning over $1.7 million during his career.
West’s impressive training record also includes other notable stakes winners such as Stella Mark, a former claimer who won the 2008 Tiznow Stakes. He also trained Bluesthestandard, a former claimer that secured victories in the 2003 Texas Mile and Railbird Stakes, and the 2004 Palos Verdes Handicap. Additionally, the speedy sprinter Freespool, under his training, clinched the El Conejo twice in 2000, along with the Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap and the Pirate’s Bounty in 2001.
Holding a degree in business from Cal-Poly Pomona, West amassed 399 career victories. His final win came on May 20 of this year at Santa Anita with Wife Approved, ridden by jockey Tyler Baze.
“I just kind of got burned out with everything, and not getting any help from the government didn’t help matters,” West commented, mentioning his father is nearing his 80th birthday.
“I’m just going to take some time off until something else pops up. There’s no rush. I’ve been training since I was 26 and had worked with my dad every summer since I was a little kid,” he added.
Hall of Famer Ron McAnally Celebrates 84th Birthday
Ron McAnally, a legendary trainer whose career began over five decades ago, celebrated his 84th birthday on Monday, July 11. Despite his milestone birthday, McAnally remained engaged with the racing community, receiving well-wishers and sharing cake at Clockers’ Corner.
A Hall of Fame trainer renowned for guiding multiple champions, including the two-time Horse of the Year John Henry, McAnally attributed his success and longevity to a humorous mix of “lots of wine, as many girl friends as you can, and lots of Jewish food like lox and cream cheese.”
On a more serious note, McAnally’s enduring passion for the sport is the driving force behind his continued involvement. Although he has outlived most of his original owners, he still manages a stable of 15 horses, expertly cared for by his dedicated staff, led by long-time assistant Dan Landers.
“I enjoy training horses and have been doing it all my life,” McAnally shared. “I’m lucky my wife (Debbie) allows me to do it, and as long as I can, I’ll keep coming out.”
Steve Miyadi’s Alexander’s Junior Gilliam Scores a Win
Trainer Steve Miyadi expressed satisfaction with his recent win at Santa Anita with a three-year-old colt named Alexander’s Junior Gilliam, sired by Tribal Rule. The colt is named after the late baseball star Junior Gilliam. Miyadi, however, conveyed a lighthearted wish for owner/breeder Nick Alexander to send him more high-caliber horses.
Alexander, a well-known figure in California Thoroughbred racing, frequently names his racehorses after former baseball players and also has horses with leading trainer Phil D’Amato.
“None of my (horses named for) players hit .300,” Miyadi, 59, lamented good-naturedly. “All of D’Amato’s are All-Stars. Hall of Famers go to D’Amato. But I know Gilliam was a great player in his own right and it’s an honor to train his namesake. I know it means a lot to Nick to see him run as well as he did the other day.”
Junior Gilliam, the horse, mirrored the career of the former Dodgers second and third baseman, who played his entire 14-year career with the team. The player was the 1953 National League Rookie of the Year and a key member of four World Series-winning teams in 1955, ’59, ’63, and ’65. He also contributed to 10 National League pennant championship teams between 1953 and 1978.
Notably, Gilliam was part of the first switch-hitting infield in World Series history, playing third base on the Dodgers’ 1965 team alongside shortstop Maury Wills, second baseman Jim Lefebvre, and first baseman Wes Parker.
The horse, Junior Gilliam, made his first start since October 31, dropping from a maiden allowance race at Golden Gate Fields to a $50,000 maiden claimer at Santa Anita. Miyadi considered this a fitting level for the horse.
The colt secured a two-length victory under jockey Flavien Prat, paying $41.80 and earning the winner’s share of the purse, $18,600.
“I’ve been with Nick for years,” Miyadi said. “I groomed his horses when I worked for (the late Mike) Mitchell until I left in 1987.”
“I wasn’t surprised that Junior won. I got lucky when the (9-10) favorite (Worldwide) pulled up, let’s face it, and we got a dream trip. He sat by himself behind dueling leaders and got first run,” Miyadi explained.
Junior Gilliam, the horse, started at odds of 19-1. Coincidentally, 19 was the jersey number of Junior Gilliam, the player. The number of James William “Junior” Gilliam was retired by the Dodgers on October 10, 1978, just two days after his death and prior to the World Series that year.
Meanwhile, Alexander has another homebred named after Dodger great Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese entered in Sunday’s seventh race for trainer Phil D’Amato. “I hope Pee Wee can complete the double play,” Alexander commented.
Songbird and Beholder Prepare for Upcoming Races
Songbird is scheduled for a workout on Saturday under exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez in preparation for the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on July 24. The purse for this prestigious race has been increased from $300,000 to $500,000 to attract the champion three-year-old filly of 2015.
“She’ll ship either the night of July 19 or early morning of the 20th,” stated Dan Ward, assistant to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “She’ll be there on the 20th. She’s a good shipper; she’s good at everything. She doesn’t let anything distract her, that’s for sure.”
Three-time champion Beholder is also likely to work on Saturday with her regular rider Gary Stevens. “She’ll probably work Saturday but could work Sunday,” said trainer Richard Mandella.
Hall of Fame Jockeys to Sign Unique Poster on Sunday
On Sunday, the closing day of the Spring Meet, Hall of Fame jockeys Gary Stevens and Mike Smith will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to sign a one-of-a-kind poster. The poster features the three-time champion mare Beholder and the undefeated filly Songbird.
The signing event will take place in the shaded saddling enclosure. Families are encouraged to attend with their children, as Santa Anita mascots, Winnie and Lucky, will be present to greet fans and offer Beholder her favorite treat: peppermints.
Finish Lines
Trainer Doug O’Neill reported on Friday morning that Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist is set to work on Monday at Santa Anita. O’Neill mentioned, “and probably by mid-week next week we have to make a decision (on where he’ll run next).”
The California Horse Racing Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 14, at 9:30 a.m. Concurrently, the Race Dates Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Both meetings are scheduled to take place at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place, and the public is welcome to attend. An audio-only webcast of the board meeting will be available through a link on the CHRB website. The board agenda, supporting materials, committee agenda, and package are accessible on the CHRB website.
Jay Friedlander is scheduled to be Tom Quigley’s guest on Saturday. On Sunday, West Coast reporter for The Blood-Horse, Jeremy Balan, will host the event at 12:20 p.m. in the East Paddock Gardens.
Source: Santa Anita Park
