Stanley Hough retires from training after successful two-year return

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Stan Hough, who in September 2018 emerged from a 6 1/2-year hiatus from a stellar training career to work primarily for Sagamore Farm, has retired for good after saddling his last two runners Saturday at Churchill.

Hough, 72, spent the majority of his career in Florida, New York, and Kentucky. In the early years of a career that began in 1969, Hough dominated with 2-year-olds at Calder, but he ultimately became known for winning with all types of runners. He won at least 2,000 races (statistics are available only from 1976), with his last 46 wins coming when he returned to training two years ago. His final stakes win came with Global Campaign in the Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga in September.

“I think it’s the final rodeo for me as a trainer,” Hough said Monday. “The game’s been great to me. It’s all I’ve ever really done with my life.”

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Hough said he will spend more time with family while living in Boca Raton, Fla., and maintaining a connection to racing as an owner of racing and breeding stock.

Sagamore, the Maryland showplace owned by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank, is in the process of dispersing all its Thoroughbred holdings.