'A wonderful thing' - record-breaking trainer Steve Asmussen saddles 10,000th North American winner

Steve Asmussen created more history when he became the first trainer to win 10,000 races in North America at Oaklawn Park on Monday.

Asmussen reached the historic milestone when Bet He's Ready landed the 6f maiden claimer under Ricardo Santana Jr at the Arkansas track, having also become the most successful trainer in North American history in August 2021 with his 9,446th success.

The US Hall of Fame trainer has also enjoyed international success, most notably with top-class superstar Curlin, who won the 2008 Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba.

Speaking to Oaklawn TV following his achievement, Asmussen said: "It's a wonderful thing. I can’t say how blessed I am to have the family here and just the continued support I’ve always had. It’s very hard to put into words just all the support that we continually have got."

Curlin: one of the stars Asmussen has trainedCredit: Edward Whitaker

Asmussen saddled his first winner when Victory's Halo won at Ruidiso Downs in New Mexico and he holds the record for number of wins in a calendar year, saddling 650 winners in 2009.

He has won two Eclipse Awards for finishing as the top US trainer in 2008 and 2009 and has eight Breeders' Cup victories, two Preakness Stakes wins and a Belmont Stakes success to his name.

Other star horses Asmussen has trained include star mare Rachel Alexandra, who completed the Kentucky Oaks and Preakness double in 2009, and 2017 Horse of the Year and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Gun Runner.

He has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, although came close last year when Epicenter was denied by rank outsider Rich Strike.

While Asmussen holds the North American record, the world record is held by current Peruvian trainer Juan Suarez Villarroel, who has saddled 10,336 victories to date.

Read these next:

Redevelopment of Arlington Park to $5 billion stadium district moves closer as Chicago Bears complete land purchase 

Legendary trainer Tony Cruz joins elite club with 1,000th Sha Tin winner 

Sign up here. New customers only. First single and each-way bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 x £5 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org. Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.