Mike Pegram to be honored with Laffit Pincay Jr. Award
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Mike Pegram, whose prominent horses have won the Kentucky Derby and scores of stakes in Southern California in the last 30 years, will receive the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award at De Mar on Aug. 10, the track announced on Friday.
The award goes to racing participants who have displayed “integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction,” Del Mar said in a statement.
Pegram, 73, has long been associated with Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, playing a pivotal role in Baffert’s move from Quarter Horse racing to Thoroughbred racing in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Currently, Pegram races in partnership with Karl Watson and Paul Weitman. They have raced such stakes winners as Cave Rock, Coil, Defunded, Drill, Gaming, Hoppertunity, Lookin At Lucky, McKinzie, Midnight Lute, and Secret Circle.
On his own, Pegram raced Real Quiet, the winner of the 1998 Kentucky Derby, and runners such as Captain Steve, Letthebighossroll, Pussycat Doll, Silverbulletday, and Thirty Slews. Real Quiet and Silverbulletday were champions.
Off the track, Pegram has served as chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.
In business, Pegram has 25 McDonald’s franchises and is a part owner of casinos in the Reno and Carson City area in Nevada.
Pincay, now 78, retired in 2003. Formerly the world’s all-time leading rider, Pincay is an occasional visitor to the races, particularly at Santa Anita, near his home.
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