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Hall of Fame: Trainers

It’s fair to say that Carl Nafzger took an unconventional route to racing’s Hall of Fame. He is only inductee who is also a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Professional Bull Riders’ Ring of Honor. In the 40 years since he began the transition from rodeo athlete to Thoroughbred trainer, Nafzger has amassed a remarkable resume in racing that includes developing three champions; two victories in America’s biggest race, the Kentucky Derby; a win in North America’s richest race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic; and a host of stakes victories. He also has won an Eclipse Award as the outstanding trainer of the year; was selected twice by the Turf Publicists of America as the recipient of the Big Sport of Turfdom award; written a book on training Thoroughbreds and done television commentary.

Nafzger, 66, was born in Plainview, Texas on April 29, 1941. He grew up on a farm near Olton, Texas and his interest in the bulls his father raised led him to the rodeo. In 1963, he was the third-ranked bull rider in the world. He went to the National Finals Rodeo three consecutive years, 1963 to 1965. When the travel and physical demands of rodeo began to take a toll, Nafzger moved toward training. In 1971, Nafzger saddled his first winner, Pretty Li’l Bessie at Santa Fe Downs. Later in that meet he picked up his first stakes winner, Speedy Karen, in the Fiesta Derby Handicap. Through an association with legendary trainer John Nerud, Nafzger was able to train better horses. He gained a national reputation 1990 with Unbridled’s victories in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Banshee Breeze, winner of a total of five Grade 1 races in her career, was the 3-year-old filly champ of 1998.