Blacker approaches 'all-consuming' training career with fine detail
Dan Blacker is a welcome newcomer to Southern California.
The young lion is bent on leading his pride on a path through the ever-challenging jungle that is racing and reach the game’s apex. At 36, he already has a world-class foundation.
A native of England, slight of build with an accent a trace more noticeable, Blacker has been training on his own for six years.
“I was an assistant trainer in England and also a participant in Godolphin’s Flying Start Program, which eventually led me to America,” Blacker said. “It focuses on management training and is sponsored by Sheikh Mohammad of Dubai.
“He takes 12 graduates from around the world every two years to learn about racing and breeding. It’s a pretty incredible program. I was very lucky to get on.
“Over here, I did an internship with Richard Mandella, who kindly offered me a job. After that, I never left the U.S. That was in 2007. I worked with him for two years, went to the East Coast and worked with Tom Albertrani for three years, then came back and started on my own in 2012.”
Married to TVG host Christina Blacker, Dan has some 32 head now in training, “23 at Santa Anita, some with Michele Dollase at San Luis Rey, and a couple at the farm. Everything is in rotation.”
Blacker also is excited about some promising 2-year-olds, among them an un-raced English Channel colt owned by Calumet Farm named Hackberry, and a California-bred filly named Scarlet Heat.
Blacker realizes full well racing is an insatiable master, yet he is unyielding in his commitment.
“Working seven days a week is tough on my wife and family (the Blackers have three young girls: Margo, 5; Violette, 3; and Eliza, 1),” Dan said. “I try as best I can to spend time with them, but the barn is almost all-consuming because if you miss the slightest detail, it can cost you a race, and every win counts, every race counts.
“There’s no worse feeling than getting beat and knowing you could have done something more to have won. You’ve got to be super-conscientious.”
When it comes to values and priorities, Dan Blacker’s are right on point.