Bob Baffert became the winningest trainer in Del Mar history when St Patrick's Day (Pioneerof the Nile) crossed the line first in Saturday's eighth race at the oceanside oval. That victory gave him 477 Del Mar wins, bettering the previous record held by the late trainer Mike Mitchell.
“Longevity and good horses will break records,” Baffert said Monday morning. “To break the record was an honor. There are some great trainers on the roster.”
Baffert, in his 29th season at the track, became the third to secure the trainer record in the last 19 years and reached the milestone in the shortest amount of time of the three.
In 1998, his 38th season at Del Mar, Ron McAnally surpassed Farrell Jones and held the top spot for 13 years. In 2011, his 35th season here, Mitchell climbed past McAnally. Baffert added win number 478 with Alluring Star (Exchange Rate) in Sunday's sixth race.
“I can't believe it has been that long,” Baffert said. “I feel so fortunate. I never would have thought it would be possible when I first came here. I remember filling out my first claim for a horse here. I was completely lost, so nervous, didn't know what I was doing. I forgot to put the horse's name on the claim form. So the claim was voided. The horse dwelt in the gate and didn't even run.”
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