Calvario suspended by Santa Anita stewards for outstanding debt

Sam Calvario, who tied for first in the trainer’s standings at the Golden State Racing meeting at Pleasanton in the fall of 2024, was suspended by Santa Anita stewards for an outstanding debt on Feb. 28, according to a published ruling.

Reached at his home in Richmond, Calif., on Thursday, Calvario said he has left racing. He said he plans to spend more time with his family.

The ruling stated that Calvario owes David Hatanaka’s Dave’s Hay Barn $51,340.

Calvario, 45, blamed the debt on delinquent owners and said he may take action with the California Horse Racing Board to recover money he said he is owed.

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In the fall of 2024, Calvario and Tim McCanna each had 16 wins at the Pleasanton meeting, the last race meeting held in Northern California. Since then, stables based on that circuit have dispersed to Southern California and other states.

Calvario’s owner and trainer license expired last month. He said on Thursday that he is seeking a new job outside of the sport.

Calvario had his last starter at Santa Anita on Jan. 25 when Palo Alto finished fourth in a $20,000 claimer for maidens. Calvario was winless with nine runners at Santa Anita and Sam Houston in January.

Calvario’s stable earned more than $1 million in 2023 and 2024 while based in Northern California. The figure slumped to $299,164 in 2025, a year Calvario raced in Southern California as well as Lone Star Park, Remington Park, and Sam Houston.

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