Trainer Billy Kaplan, who conditioned the likes of 2011 championg female sprinter Musical Romance (Concorde's Tune), will retire from racing after this weekend, Gulfstream Park announced Thursday.
“It's just time,” Kaplan said. “I'm 70 years old and I think I'd rather do some other things at this stage of my life than get up every morning at 4:30 a.m. I've been thinking about it since last year. I've been doing this for 37 years. I'm financially secure, I'm relatively healthy, and I want to enjoy myself.”
Some of Kaplan's most accomplished charges include MGSW Ekati's Phaeton (Tale of Ekati), GII Indiana Derby winner East Hall (Graeme Hall) and GIII Palm Beach S. hero Mr. Livingston (El Prado {Ire}). The South Florida-based conditioner has won a total of 615 races throughout his career and earned $18,752,003.
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Kaplan was a second lieutenant in the Army and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. A CPA who also had his pilot's license, he started Air South after moving to Florida in the 1970's. Soon after Kaplan purchased a few horses and took out his trainer's license, and in 1980 he got his first win.
Kaplan also became known for his keen eye ar yearling and 2-year-old sales, picking up $1.6 million earner Musical Romance for just $22,000 and bought East Hall, who earned $870,000, for $55,000.
“I've been extremely fortunate,” said Kaplan, who has trained for Pinnacle Racing Stable the past 14 years. “I've been blessed with great owners and wonderful help. At the same time, it's just time. I have a couple cruises lined up, including one to Alaska, and I'm going to play some golf and work out. And I'll still be at the sales for my clients.”
Several of Kaplan's horses will be transferred to Stanley Gold, who is also based in South Florida.
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