LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Second-generation Louisville trainer Dale Romans said winning the Kentucky Derby would be the cherry on top of a storied career. If there is one defection, his contender Cyclone Mischief will make it into the field this year.
For Dale Romans, Barn 4 at Churchill Downs has always been his home away from home.
"This was my playground," said Romans.
He grew up minutes from the track and his dad was a trainer there.
"I didn't know anything different other than horses and this barb. The first time I remember walking one over to the races, I was 12-years-old. It was my father's," said Romans.
In the same barn where his passion for the sport sparked, Romans has built a training legacy of his own.
"Everybody asks about my biggest wins or which ones were the most exciting. You could go back to the very first one for $3,500. I was probably as excited as a person could be. Or you could go to Dubai World Cup for $6 million or the Preakness. There are different levels at all stages of a person's career in this business," said Romans.
He said it is exciting, but the job also comes with a lot of pressure because you have to win to feed the family.
Pressure aside, Romans said he can't imagine doing anything else.
"It was always just fun. It was never work. It's never been work. I've told everybody, I've never had a job in my life. You get to come out and be around greatness all the time and the animals you really care about. It's not a job. It's a lifestyle," said Romans.
It's a lifestyle that's garnered a long list of accomplishments.
"Believe me, growing up here in Louisville, I never expected to have a Derby horse. That seemed like an unrealistic goal, something that can't be achieved," Romans said.
That was a dream he did achieve, though, multiple times. He's had 11 Kentucky Derby starters with two third place finishes. If Cyclone Mischief makes it into the Kentucky Derby field this year, Romans could have his twelfth chance at winning the Run for the Roses at his home track.
"I'm proud to be from Louisville. I love Louisville. I'm proud to be from Churchill Downs. Everywhere you go in the world, people know Kentucky, Louisville and Churchill Downs because of the Derby and the horses," said Romans. "Everywhere I go in the world, the first thing they ever ask you is, 'Have you won the Kentucky Derby?'"
Right now, the answer to that question is no. However, Romans is not giving up on his quest for the Winner's Circle.
"It's time to try to win one for the people of Louisville," said Romans.
As Cyclone Mischief remains on the bubble, Romans said his strategy is to train like they are going to run. If Cyclone Mischief does not get into the Kentucky Derby this year, Romans said he will consider either running on Derby Day in the Pat Day Mile or possibly waiting for the Preakness.