LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the days leading up to Kentucky Derby 149, Steve Asmussen could be found on the Backside of Churchill Downs every morning preparing for another shot at the Run for the Roses. Being among the stables has always felt like home for Asmussen; thoroughbred racing is in his blood.
In the days leading up to Kentucky Derby 149, Steve Asmussen could be found on the Backside of Churchill Downs every morning preparing for another shot at the ‘Run for the Roses.’ Being among the stables has always felt like home for Asmussen – thoroughbred racing is in his blood.
“I grew up in a racing family. My mom was a horse trainer and my dad was a jockey my entire life. I have one older brother that had a tremendous amount of success,” Asmussen said. “So just being a witness to it and feeling like you’re a part of it. I have always wanted to jump in.”
Asmussen “jumped in” in a big way. He is thoroughbred racing’s all-time leading trainer with over 10,000 wins. But even after all those victories, the desire to win still drives him.
“Being able to win a horse race, any horse race, it’s the best possible outcome for the moment,” said Asmussen. “It’s always excited me greatly and I still crave that feeling on a daily basis.”
None of Asmussen’s thousands of wins have ever come from the Kentucky Derby, where he’s 0-16 with 24 starters. The most dramatic of those finishes was during Derby 148 in 2022 when 80-1 longshot Rich Strike came roaring up the rail in the final moments of the race, passing Asmussen’s Epicenter, the Derby favorite, who then finished second.
“It is the one race that has eluded us, with a very tough second place finish last year with Epicenter,” Asmussen said. “The only thing that could possibly make it better than him winning is to win with the same connections, but with a son of a Gun Runner, a racehorse that has meant so much to all of us.”
Asmussen was referring to his 2023 Derby contender, Disarm, a son of Gun Runner.
Darren Rogers, senior director of communications and media services for Churchill Downs Racetrack, said there is a Kentucky Derby with Asmussen’s name on it. It’s just a matter of time. He said Asmussen’s unrelenting attention to detail, pursuit of perfection and upbringing fuel his success.
“It’s a numbers game. Eventually, he will win a Kentucky Derby. Now, whether or not it comes from Disarm, I’m not certain,” said Rogers. “He’s had a late start this year. He’s playing catch up, but they have faith in this horse and that’s what matters.”
Asmussen said Disarm needs to run a considerably better race than he has leading up to Derby, but noted all signs point to that happening. Even with last year’s tough loss still front of mind, Asmussen said he’s grateful to be back under the Twin Spires competing in another Kentucky Derby.
“Growing up in a racing family, being blessed with this sort of opportunity and to be able to share it with my family. It’s just a wonderful feeling,” said Asmussen.
Only time will tell if Derby 149 will be Asmussen’s year. Thoroughbred racing fans were reminded last year how unpredictable the most exciting two minutes in sports can be. Perhaps after Epicenter’s shocking loss to longshot Rich Strike, a win by Disarm at Derby 149 would feel like poetic justice. He’s 30-1 in the morning line.