Calder Hall of Fame trainer Bill White achieved the milestone 2,000th career victory when his horse Determinato crossed the finish line in the Kaiser Handicap at Calder Casino & Race Course Oct. 26 (VIDEO).
"I am elated," said White. "I am actually quite surprised I am as composed as I am. It is really fun. My first win was with a maiden $35,000 claimer and with (win) 2,000 being a stakes, wow, nice bookends, huh? It kind of describes my career."
White quickly racked up victories during the Tropical meet on his way to the milestone. His horses won 11 times since the beginning of September, which included three wins on one card Oct. 11.
In the Kaiser, Determinato broke first from the gate and never looked back as he hit fractional times of :21.42 and :43.68 with a final time of :55.47 for the five-furlong turf race to take his third win in a row.
"A five-eighths race, if you have speed, you have to use it initially," said White. "You can't give up anything at the break. If you happen to get lucky and just break right on cue, which we did today, you just go on with it. If you break a half-step slow or whatever and the speed gets the first jump on you, then you just sit there and lay a little off of it so when he broke and immediately took the lead, at that point (jockey Jesus) Rios says 'Okay, there ain't no turning back now—come get me.'"
Bred in Florida by Frank Marano, Determinato is owned by Ron Marano. By Closing Argument, the 5-year-old gelding is out of the Jeblar mare Twilight Mirage.