BREAKING NEWS: Top of the heap ... Steve Asmussen becomes the all-time winningest trainer

On Whitney Day at Saratoga in Race 5, HOF trainer Steve Asmussen broke Dale Baird's record for wins when Ricardo Santana guided Stellar Tap #7 in a MSW romp over the Main Track at The SPA. It was a sweet victory for the Texas-based conditioner who risen to the very top of the Thoroughbred echelons. At Ellis Park yesterday he tied the record with 9,445, but today he is all alone.

Surrounded by his family and sitting in the historic Grandstand, they cheered like it was the Kentucky Derby, a race that has eluded him these past 35 years. Down in the winner's circle, Asmussen was visibly emotional as he talked with the Fox Day at the Races Team. "To grow up in a racing family, and to be given these opportunities … for it unfold with a 2-yr-old owned by the Winchell Family … on the Whitney at Saratoga, is just such a blessing. God is great," he freely admitted. 

Then, he had the opportunity to speak via Zoom with his parents, who were back at the family horse ranch in Laredo, Texas. It was a full circle moment for a trainer that has given his heart and soul to the sport.

An Eclipse Award-winning trainer on a pair of occasions, Asmussen won that storied prize back-to-back in 2008 and 2009 with Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, respectively. Other celebrated runners include Gun Runner, Mitole, Midnight Bisou, Untapable, and countless others. His commitment to the business is unwavering, and was honored with his induction into the National Racing Museum Hall of Fame in 2016.

Steve Asmussen is by no means done with his career. More to come ...