An insight of the famous trainer Todd Pletcher’s early years
Todd Pletcher is one of the most prominent and leading American Thoroughbred horse trainers. He stands out to be the trainer who has been able to win the Eclipse Awards as an outstanding Trainer of the Year for four consecutive years. He has topped the trainers’
purse earnings for three straight years, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
His early (1974) years at the farms and stables were spent working for his father, Jake Pletcher, who at that time used to train both quarter horses and thoroughbreds in the Southwest of New Mexico.
Even during school breaks, Todd used to spend time with his father at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. He later went to work with Henry Moreno at Hollywood Park and Del Mar.
After his high school graduation, he went to the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in Tucson in the fall of 1985. Even during his higher education, Todd continued working as a groom for Wayne Lukas at Arlington Park in Chicago.
The training did not end here for Todd as yet again he got the chance to work with one of the best, Charlie Whittingham, Hall Of Fame trainer.
In 1989, he graduated from college with a degree in Bachelors of Animal Sciences. He then moved to New York to work as a foreman for Wayne Lukas, right after completing college, soon getting promoted to the position of an assistant trainer.
During his services, he played a pivotal role in the grooming of horses such as Thunder Gulch, Serena’s Song, Harlan, A Wild Ride and Flanders.
The first time that Todd rode as a licensed jockey was in the year 1995 and he rode his first winner, Majestic Number, in 1996.
His horse, Super Saver, is famous for winning the 2010 Kentucky Derby and Rags to Riches also made it possible for him to win the 2007 Belmont Stakes.
Todd Pletcher is known for winning five consecutive titles at the most famous Saratoga Race Track summer meet. He has also received numerous Fourstar Dave and Woody Stevens Awards from the New York Turf Writers Association.
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