Norman Casse to saddle first starter

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Norman Casse, longtime assistant to his father, Mark Casse, will launch his training career when sending out Rate of Return in Wednesday’s fifth race. Casse has surrended his assistant’s license to the stewards in lieu of taking out his trainer’s license.

“The big question I get is why am I doing this now,” the younger Casse said. “From a personal and professional standpoint, I’m bored. I think I’ve maxed out my capacity as an assistant trainer and I’m ready to take the next step forward.”

Casse said the owner of Rate of Return, Gabe Grossberg, has been a longtime client of his father’s and plans to support him in his new endeavor.

“He’s giving me an opportunity with a handful of horses, and hopefully I’ll reward his confidence,” said Casse, who will continue to serve as a consultant to his father throughout the meet before hanging out his own shingle on a regular basis this spring at Keeneland.