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Lazaro S. Barrera |
| Training Career: | 47 years (1945-1991) |
| Stakes winners: | More than 140 |
| Champions: | 6 |
Laz Barrera spent almost half a century as a trainer and produced more than 140 stakes winners, including six champions. Barrera came from a family with extensive ties to Thoroughbred racing in Cuba. He received his license at age 16 and was a leading trainer in his homeland and in Mexico before coming to the U.S. Barrera's first major U.S. success came in 1971 when he sent Tinajero to victory in the Jerome Handicap. Later in the 1970's he went to Harbor View Farm after trainer Ivan Parke retired. Barrera reached the apex of his career with Harbor View's Affirmed, a 2-time Horse of the Year. Barrera coached apprentice jockey Steve Cauthen and Affirmed to victory in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, making Affirmed America's eleventh Triple Crown winner. Naturally, Barrera considered Affirmed his best horse, but he always cherished his first Kentucky Derby victory with Bold Forbes.
Affirmed vs. Alydar in the Belmont Stakes
© NYRA
Champions trained by Laz Barrera: | Bold Forbes, 1976 Champion 3-year-old colt | Affirmed, 1978-79 Horse of the Year | | J.O.Tobin, 1978 Champion sprinter | It's in the Air, 1978 Champion 2-year-old filly | | Lemhi Gold, 1982 Champion older male | Tiffany Lass, 1986 Champion 3-year-old filly | Awards and Achievements: Leading money-winning trainer, 1977-1980
Eclipse Awards, 1977-1980
Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1979 By receiving four consecutive Eclipse Awards, Laz Barrera set a record that no other trainer has met. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Swaps and Shoemaker in the San Vincente © 1955 Santa
Anita Photo; Laz Barrera © 1990 Barbara D. Livingston
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