Meet Santa Anita Trainer Mike Curtis

Meet Mike Curtis. A virtual unknown on the Santa Anita circuit to date, the 59-year-old trainer has an extensive resume, having come up under legends such as Charlie Whittingham, John Gosden and John Sullivan.

These days, the native of Wimbledon (yes, that Wimbledon), England is trying to keep the wolf away from the door with a stable of seven horses at The Great Race Place, where he won his only race this meet March 14 with 2-1 shot with Adrenaline Shot. Curtis has sent out seven starters, also finishing second once and third once.

“I worked as a pit boss at the Commerce Casino for 17 years before (the late jockey) Bill Harmatz got me into this business 20 years,” Curtis said, “All my horses here are Cal-breds. It’s a battle, but I pay attention to detail and hope it will pay off in the long run.”