Dave Dahl, longtime trainer, dies

Longtime Hastings trainer Dave Dahl died last Sunday. Dahl, 72, also worked as a security guard in the winner’s enclosure at Hastings.

In 2010, he heroically prevented others from getting hurt when he took the brunt of a loose horse that barreled into the winner’s enclosure at full speed.

Dahl was seriously injured, however, and never fully recovered physically. His positive demeanor when he returned to the track a year later was always on full display, though.

Recalling the incident, Dahl said, “I just reacted. I didn’t know where the horse was going, but I knew it was a dangerous situation. I started yelling at people to get out of the way and the next thing I know I see the horse right before my eyes.”

What helped Dahl survive the incident was his size. He was over six feet tall and weighed a fit 250 pounds. He may have been seriously diminished in size following eight surgeries, but not in stature.

He is survived by three daughters and a son. Per his request, there will not be a memorial service.