Union Strike among Ruis horses transferred to Craig Dollase

ARCADIA, Calif. – A summer feel-good story – a 25-year-old rookie trainer winning the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante with a maiden filly owned by her father – took an unexpected turn this week at Santa Anita.

Trainer Shelbe Ruis and her father, Mick Ruis, have severed their business relationship, and 19 horses Ruis trained were transferred to trainer Craig Dollase, including Debutante winner Union Strike.

While neither Shelbe Ruis nor Mick Ruis elaborated on the reasons for the split, both said it was the young trainer’s decision to open a public stable and end business ties with Ruis Racing, owned by Mick Ruis.

“It was just a difference of opinion,” said Shelbe Ruis, who turned 26 after the Del Mar Debutante established Union Strike as a leading contender for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 5. “We just had different views on things.”

Mick Ruis, a former trainer and a successful businessman, acknowledged that pressure and contrasting ideas contributed to the split.

“It wasn’t fun for any of us, for her or us,” he said. “I’m tough on my kids. I want the best out of them, and that’s why it was hard on Shelbe. It’s tough when you are working for your dad, who was a trainer.”

Mick Ruis said all his runners are now under the care of Dollase, though stable signage Thursday morning still read “Shelbe Ruis.” Mick Ruis said he plans to take out his trainer’s license.

It is uncertain whether Mick Ruis or Dollase will be listed as trainer when Union Strike starts in the Breeders’ Cup.

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A second-start maiden when she won the Del Mar Debutante, Union Strike skipped the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes with tender shins but remained in training. She was scheduled to work six furlongs from the gate Saturday.

The Ruis-owned colt Midnight Pleasure, third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, is on the sidelines.

“He’s going to have 60 days off,” Mick Ruis said. “We need to give him a little time.”

Shelbe Ruis made a positive impression in her first six months as a trainer. She won six races from 39 starters. Her stable earned $447,285, including $192,600 by Union Strike. She said it will be bittersweet watching Union Strike in the Breeders’ Cup.

“But at the same time, I love that filly,” she said. “I hope she wins.”