2007 Gulfstream Record

• One of several American-based trainers with horses for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s various racing ventures.

• Began working for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Racing in 2000, concentrating on juvenile runners.

• Had previously served as an assistant trainer in California to John Russell and Bob Baffert for seven years … While Baffert’s top assistant he was responsible for overseeing the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winning campaigns of Silver Charm and Real Quiet in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

• Found immediate success for Godolphin with a third-place finish in the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by eventual 2002 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry … Bettered that in 2001 when Tempera captured the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

• Focus for Godolphin was to develop juveniles in the U.S., with the best sent to Dubai to be pointed toward American classics by trainer Saeed bin Suroor … Top graduates of that program include E Dubai, Tizdubai, Imperial Gesture, Essence of Dubai, Ibn al Haitham and Ruler’s Court … The latter won the 2003 Norfolk Stakes at Oak Tree at Santa Anita by 14 lengths in stakes-record time.

• Now operates a public stable that includes horses for Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud ... Leading 2007 runners include Iowa Oaks and Arlington Oaks winner Marietta, accomplished miler Sahara Heat and Burmilla, winner of the Honorable Miss Handicap at Saratoga.

Other:

• A fifth-generation horseman whose father, Eddie, won the Grand National Steeplechase and competed in the Olympic Games’ three-day event … Father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather all trained horses in Ireland … Came to the United States at age 17 after working one year at Irish National Stud … First name pronounced "Owen."