Mark Casse and Team: Good For Racing

Trainer Mark Casse is gearing up for a big weekend as Summer Luck and Corporate Queen are entered in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and 2 year-old Eclipse Champion, Classic Empire, will start in the Preakness Stakes. Noble Bird will run in the Pimlico Special and Casse has two entries in the Hilltop Stakes. And, that’s just at Pimlico. Actually, it’s another typical weekend for Casse Stables.

Since following his father into the family business at age 15, Mark Casse has accumulated an embarrassment of riches including multiple training titles and was inducted last year into the Canadian Hall of Fame. When not at the track, Team Casse is based in Ocala, Florida where he has an incredible facility to keep his runners in top form. If you check out their web site, you will find photos of millionaire Kaigun and Champion Catch a Glimpse galloping. Breeder’s Cup winner, Airoforce, is seen enjoying the cold water spa and Catch A Cab is seen swimming in the equine pool.

Last April 18, after reading Alicia Wincze Hughes’ poignant article in BloodHorse, about Tepin’s retirement, I called Casse Stables. Tepin had been one of my favorite horses and I watched her worldwide wins. I could tell it was not a difficult decision to retire her because, she was telling Casse and owner, Robert Masterson, and they listened. In Hughes’ article, Casse described how lovable the, now 6 year-old mare was and she no longer wanted to work out. Instead of pushing the 2-time Eclipse Turf Champion, they did what was best for the mare.

When I called, I just left a message, as a fan, commending the Casse's on their decision and I thanked them for the many memories. To my surprise, I received a call later that day from Melanie. She had relayed my message to Mr. Casse and he asked for my address. She said he wanted to send me something. Later that week, I received a Tepin ballcap with Mark Casse’s signature on it. This is what Team Casse does for fans. I was astonished. I receive Casse’s entries via Equibase and know what a busy fellow he is so I was amazed he found the time to thank a fan. He had no idea I was a writer.

I’m going to a Preakness Party Saturday but instead of wearing a fancy hat, I’ll have my signed Tepin ballcap on and will be cheering for all of Casse’s runners!