After being released from a hospital following treatment of influenza and pneumonia, trainer Wayne Catalano plans to be at his Arlington International Racecourse barn Thursday, Aug. 14.
He said he plan to gradually increase his workload until it is back to normal.
"I will be back at the barn tomorrow for a little bit," Catalano said Aug. 13, a day after being released following a 22-day stay at Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill. "I will be hands-on every day. Everything is back to normal."
Catalano, known to many within the industry as "Catman," was initially diagnosed with Type A influenza that developed into pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. That resulted in landing him in an intensive care unit for 14 days. His daughter, Shelbi Hill, reported July 24, Catalano's 58th birthday, that her father was critically ill.
Catalano's stable, under direction of longtime assistant Fernando Canteria continued to win races in his absence and on July 31 the 11-time Arlington training champion recorded his 1,000th victory at the Illinois oval when Royal Alluvial scored a five-length tally in the second race.
"Everything was great; I have a very good crew," Catalano said. "They always say you are only as good as your help."
Catalano said he was appreciative of the support he received from colleagues and racing fans during his illness.
"The support I got from people all over the country—unbelievable. For people to reach out to me at a time like this was incredible."
Click below to listen to entire interview.
Trainer Wayne Catalano August 8, 2014
