Todd Pletcher

American thoroughbred horse trainer, multiple Eclipse Award winner and trainer of Kentucky Derby winners including Super Saver and Always Dreaming.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on March 5, 1967, Todd Alan Pletcher grew up in a family immersed in Thoroughbred racing. His father Jake Pletcher worked as a bloodstock agent, providing early exposure to the industry that would define his career. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in animal science, Pletcher began his racing education under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, serving as an assistant trainer for seven years and absorbing the methodical approach that would become his trademark. Pletcher established his own stable in 1996 and quickly ascended to prominence through the late 1990s and 2000s. His breakthrough came with multiple graded stakes winners and Eclipse Award recognition, leading to his first Eclipse Award as Outstanding Trainer in 2004. He repeated this achievement in 2005, 2006, and 2007, establishing himself among racing's elite. During his peak years, Pletcher consistently ranked among North America's leading trainers by both earnings and stakes victories, developing a reputation for excellence at premier venues including Saratoga Race Course, where his success rate earned particular recognition. The trainer's most significant achievements include victories in the Kentucky Derby with Super Saver (2010) and Always Dreaming (2017), along with Belmont Stakes triumphs featuring Rags to Riches (2007), Palace Malice (2013), and Tapwrit (2017). His stable has produced numerous Eclipse Award winners and Breeders' Cup champions across multiple divisions. Pletcher's systematic training methods and attention to detail have yielded consistent success in major races, with his horses earning millions in purses and establishing him as one of the most successful trainers in modern Thoroughbred racing history. Pletcher's impact extends beyond individual victories to his influence on contemporary training practices. His emphasis on data analysis, careful race placement, and horse welfare has set standards within the industry. With multiple Eclipse Awards and Triple Crown race victories, he represents the modern era of Thoroughbred training excellence.

Known for meticulous attention to detail, large stable operations, and strategic race placement of horses

One of the most successful trainers in modern horse racing history with over 5,000 career wins and multiple Breeders' Cup victories

• Eclipse Award Outstanding Trainer (2004, 2005, 2006, 2013)
• Kentucky Derby (2007, 2010, 2017)
• Belmont Stakes (2007, 2013)
• Breeders' Cup Classic (2010, 2013)
• Racing Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)