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By Martha Claussen
HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 20, 2015—In Thoroughbred racing, many famous trainers including Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott, Kiaran McLaughlin, Eoin Harty, Mike Maker and most recently, Joe Sharp began as assistants to noted horsemen. We rarely hear similar career path histories on Quarter Horse trainers, but one Texas horseman has paid his dues and is on the verge of a significant breakthrough.
That trainer is Angel Sanchez, who will step out of the shadows on Saturday, April 25 at Sam Houston Race Park when he saddles four of the ten finalists for the $621,100 Sam Houston Futurity (G2). It is the richest edition of the Sam Houston Futurity, since its first running in 1994. Past winners include two AQHA 2-year-old champions: Azoom in 2004 and Kiss My Hocks last year.
Sanchez, 45, grew up in a racing family and notes he has been around horses his entire life. Modest and humble, he would probably prefer to stay out of the limelight and just do what he does so well and loves tremendously, which is take care of his horses. While he has just been on his own for eight years, his journey began over 20 years ago when he served as the very capable assistant to Texas horseman Duane Hartsell.
"I was successful because of Angel and his crew," said Hartsell. "When I hired him, he brought several of his family members including Ramon and Beto; they made an unbelievable team. I knew I did not have to be there watching every move. Angel was always at the barn, working with the horses; I had complete faith in him."
Hartsell recognized that it was not just Sanchez's gift with horses, but his faith and devotion to his family.
"Angel is a family man, first and foremost," stated Hartsell. "He's quiet and humble, but all class."
In 2008, Sanchez began on his own with 74 starters, winning seven races for the year. His numbers steadily increased, but Sanchez continued to fly under the radar even though he won the 2011 TQHA Sale Futurity with Triple Vodka at Retama Park. The Tres Seis colt, owned by Renee Spiller, earned a 101 speed index in the final.
Owner and breeder J. B. Morace was the first to enlist Sanchez as his trainer and continues to be one of his most ardent supporters.
"He's a true horseman," states Morace. "I've never seen anybody better with babies than Angel."
Morace gives Sanchez high marks for his patience and emphasis on schooling and gate work.
"Angel takes time with each horse and does what it takes," said Morace. "His 2-year-olds load well; he does a lot of gate work at the farm."
Last year was Sanchez's most successful, with 238 starters and a high percentage of wins with both 2-year-olds and older runners. He won the first leading trainer title of his career at Sam Houston Race Park winning 18 of his 68 starts to surpass six-time leading trainer, Judd Kearl.
Sanchez has started 2015 with a bang. Saturday, April 4, 2015 will likely remain a career highlight day for the Stockdale, Texas resident. Actually, a "day and night" memory as Sanchez saddled 14 horses in trials for the $621,100 Sam Houston Futurity (G2). He won six races and qualified four juveniles for the lucrative final.
Raul Ramirez, Jr. will ride fastest qualifier, Ivan James, a son of Ivory James out of the Dashin Bye mare First Dashin Bye, bred and owned by Jorge Meraz of Bastrop, Texas.
“I came over here in February to work him and he outworked them all,” said Ramirez. “He did it easy. I think Angel thought that Miss Aguilar might have been the fastest of all the babies. He has done a great job with his 2-year-olds, but in my opinion, this colt is the best.”
"Chico", as he is known to his friends and family, has known Sanchez for many years and is not surprised that he is making a name for himself.
"He's a very good horseman," said Ramirez. "His horses come to the racetrack ready to run."
The hard-working horsemen gives tremendous credit to his owners and team on the backside for the well orchestrated effort on that busy Saturday. Each of his horses, Ivan James, Miss Aguilar, a Tres Seis filly; Hi Hoppin, a Hi Class La Jolla filly and Mighty Zapata, a gelded son of Mighty Corona came out of the trials in good order.
He will be the horseman to watch on Saturday, when he will saddle four runners in the richest race of the meet, and the biggest of his career. Sanchez also has two finalists that evening for the $203,300 Sam Houston Derby.
"I have very good owners and a great crew," said Sanchez. "My wife and three children are very supportive and we are all looking forward to Saturday night!"
Martha Claussen served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She coordinates the AQHA Wrangler Racing Aces and continues to be active in writing, handicapping and Quarter Horse racing publicity.