Some might say that Charlie Whittingham was the best and most famous trainer California has ever known. As true as that might be, Whittingham deserves to be viewed in a context much greater than even a state as large as California. Though synonymous with the Golden State, Whittingham was unquestionably one of greatest trainers in the long and glorious history of Thoroughbred racing anywhere in the United States.
Tag: Legends
Lost in the Fog: The Courageous Sprinter
He came, like the fog in Carl Sandburg’s famous poem, silently. For a time he lingered, just long enough for his presence to be acknowledged. And then, like the fog, he moved on, all too soon, leaving everyone to wonder what might have been. His name, of course, was Lost in the Fog.
Nick Zito: A Humble Hall of Famer
Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito was seated at a table beside his barn at Saratoga Race Course, telling stories as he is wont to do. This one involved a man he met who learned that he trained Thoroughbreds. “Did you ever win the Kentucky Derby?” the man asked.
The Incomparable Cigar
The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be. The son of Palace Music went unraced at 2 before winning two of nine starts the following season for his first trainer, Alex Hassinger Jr. He finished his 3-year-old campaign with earnings of $89,175 but was unable to win in stakes competition.
