Hansen slowly rebuilding stable after San Luis Rey fire

ARCADIA, Calif. – More than six months after losing half of his stable in the devastating wildfire that struck San Luis Rey Downs, trainer Scott Hansen won for the first time since September in Thursday’s fifth race at Santa Anita.

Frankie Machine ($37.60) won a $30,000 claiming race for maidens at a mile. For Hansen, Frankie Machine was his seventh starter of the year. The stable has slowly been rebuilt in recent months after losing 15 of its 30 horses in the fire last December.

“It’s been a struggle,” Hansen said after leaving the winner’s circle.

Hansen and his wife, Laura, own Frankie Machine, a 3-year-old gelding. Most of the horses in the stable are owned by Gary Broad, who Hansen said is planning to relocate to Kentucky in the next 12 months to focus on breeding.

“I think it will be this time next year,” Hansen said. “We’ve been struggling to make a deal on a farm.”

Hansen said his stable may be better suited to Kentucky, with greater opportunities for a wide range of claiming horses.

“There are more options of places to ship in the Midwest,” he said.

Hansen had a small stable for Broad at Keeneland earlier this year.