A world class professional bull rider as a young man, Carl Nafzger is today considered one of the world's top thoroughbred trainers. The native Texan took out his trainer's license in 1968 and saddled his first stakes winner in 1971. Over the years he has trained some of the industry's top horses including Kentucky Derby winners Unbridled (1990) and Street Sense (2007) and three Eclipse Award winners (Unbridled, Street Sense and Banshee Breeze). Throughout his career Carl has captured numerous top honors including the 1990 Eclipse Award as the nation's top trainer and has twice received the Turf Publicists of America annual Big Sport of Turfdom Award (1990 and 2007). Recognized for his consistent, no nonsense training style, Carl's book, "Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses," is considered a must-read for owners, trainers and anyone interested in thoroughbred racing. Over his nearly 40-year career, Carl is credited with 1,052 wins in 7,905 starts and earnings of $50,112,707.

Carl Nafzger Website

Thoroughbred trainer Ian Wilkes started his career in the 1980s in his homeland of Australia under the tutelage of several of that country's top trainers. In 1989 he relocated to Louisville, Kentucky to work for trainer Carl Nafzger. During his time as Nafzger's top assistant, Wilkes played an integral role in the training of noted champions Unbridled (1990 Kentucky Derby), Banshee Breeze (1998 Grade I Spinster and Alabama Stakes) and Vicar (1999 Grade I Florida Derby) to name but a few. In 2006 Wilkes opened his own stable but continued to work closely with Nafzger as he trained the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense and the 2007 Alabama Stakes winner Lady Joanne. As a trainer, Wilkes' stable has found early success with Court Folly (2006 Amsterdam at Saratoga) and three winners in a single day at Gulfstream Park (Atlas Valley, Candy Ma'am and Bucharest).

Ian Wilkes Website