DEL MAR, Calif.— Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally will be honored with the prestigious Pincay Award at Del Mar today. The ceremony will take place in the winner’s circle after the fourth race.
McAnally has been coming to Del Mar for a remarkable 74 years, starting out as a hot walker for his uncle and for decades afterward as a trainer. It’s an unprecedented achievement that is a testament to his work with the horses and the respect the horse community has for him.
McAnally has trained some the best horses ever such as Hall of Famers John Henry, Bayakoa and Paseana. He ranks fourth all-time at Del Mar in wins by a trainer with 448 and third in stakes races with 77. He won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer in 1981, 1991 and 1992 and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Despite all the accolades, the Pincay Award is still something special to McAnally because Laffit Pincay, Jr. rode for him for many years. In fact, the two still hang out together.
“I work out in the gym with him,” the 90-year-old McAnally says, “and I tell everybody, he (Pincay) could ride tomorrow. He’s kept his weight down real good.”
McAnally is expected to be joined at the ceremony by his wife Debbie. Mike Smith, who received the honor in 2017, is among others expected to attend.
The Pincay Award is given to those who serve the sport with “integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.” McAnally is the 18th recipient of the award. Past winners have included Mel and Warren Stute, Jerry and Ann Moss, Art Sherman, Eddie Delahoussaye, Chris McCarron and Julie Krone.
DMTC Press Release
Photo: Trainer Ron McAnally and his champion mare Bayakoa at Del Mar in 1990 (Courtesy of DMTC)
