Churchill Downs: Asmussen, Maker tie for trainer title

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Steve Asmussen salvaged a tie with Mike Maker for the training title at the 21-day Churchill Downs meet by winning with one of his three starters on the Sunday finale.

Both trainers had a final starter in th e 10th of 11 races to break their 15-15 deadlock, but when Twinspired checked in a distant second for Maker, and Joes Blazing Aaron was a tired fourth for Asmussen, both men were co-winners of the title. For Asmussen, it was his sixth straight Churchill title, dating to the 2009 spring meet, and his 11th overall, while Maker was winning a second Churchill title, having set a fall-meet record with 31 winners in 2008.

Maker entered the day with a 15-14 lead, and Asmussen tied it when he sent out Eyeseeyou to win the eighth race at a $13 mutuel.

Julien Leparoux was the leading jockey at the meet, while Ken and Sarah Ramsey were leading owners.