Munger wins Emerald Downs race at age 92

After winning an $8,000 maiden-claiming race with Jima last Sunday, 92-year-old trainer Don Munger said he has no plans to slow down. Munger is the oldest trainer to win a race at Emerald Downs. Noble Threewitt is recognized as the oldest trainer to win a race in North America. He was 95 when Three at Once won a maiden-claiming race at Santa Anita in 2006. Florida-based trainer Jerry Bozzo, who turned 95 last October, is still active and will take over the honor if he wins a race before he retires.

“I plan to keep going as long as I am able,” said Munger. “It’s what keeps me going.”

Munger has been involved with horses his whole life. He was born in Iowa in 1923, but his family moved to the Seattle area soon after.

“We had horses on our farm, and as long as I can remember, I have been horse-crazy,” said Munger. “I still love being involved with horse racing.”

Munger credits his assistant trainer, Niccolo Troiania, and his daughter, Dawn Dickson, for helping him stay on top of the 15 horses he has stabled at Emerald.

“Niccolo is great,” said Munger. “I obviously need more help than I used to, and he’s always checking up on me. Dawn is my driver. She picks me up every morning and brings me to the track. I couldn’t do it without them.”

His wife, Wanda, is also involved in the operation.

“We have been working as a team on our farm in Enumclaw since we got married 53 years ago,” she said.