Connelly making a change after nearly 40 years of training

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bill Connelly will be at Keeneland and Churchill Downs this fall, but not in the same capacity under which he has operated for nearly 40 years.

Connelly, a trainer since 1980, is disbanding his stable to work as an assistant on the starting-gate crew.

“It was time for a change,” said Connelly, 63. “There are a lot of things that were involved, like some of my clients have died or left the business. I’ve had a very nice career, but yes, it was time.”

Through the years, Connelly worked tirelessly while mostly avoiding the limelight, earning him the great respect of fellow horsemen and knowing fans. His first winner came on Feb. 14, 1981, at the old Latonia, and he went on to saddle 1,278 winners from 8,302 starters for stable earnings of nearly $18 million. Among his best horses was Sweet Cassiopeia, a winner of four stakes from 2012-14.

Connelly lives in Union, Ky., and has been based primarily in northern Kentucky or Churchill throughout his career. He said his final starter likely will come this week or next at Presque Isle Downs or Indiana Grand.