Hall of Fame Trainer Fred Danley passed away on Saturday, February 7.

photo courtesy of Ruidoso Downs

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

EL PASO, TX–FEBRUARY 9, 2026–Hall of Fame trainer Fred Danley passed away Saturday, February 7, at the age of 83. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Danley spent his entire life around racehorses, building a career that spanned more than six decades. He began training horses at just 16 years old, and by age 19 became the youngest trainer to ever win the Kansas Futurity, now known as the Ruidoso Futurity.

Danley found success at the highest levels as both a Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainer. His lifelong dedication to the sport was formally recognized in 2022, when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished horsemen in racing history, his impact on the industry remains unmistakable.

According to Equibase statistics, dating back to 1982, Danley won 1,130 Quarter Horse races with earnings exceeding $21 million. Going back to 1976, he also recorded 1,477 Thoroughbred victories with earnings of more than $18 million. He consistently ranked among the nation’s leading trainers year after year and currently stands No. 16 on the All-Time leading trainers list.

Danley’s success came early. In 1961, at just 18 years old, he earned his trainer’s license. Two years later, in 1963, he won the Kansas Futurity with Mr Tinky Bar, who also finished second that same year in the 1963 All American Futurity.

The following year, Danley trained Merry Go, the fastest qualifier to the 1964 All American Futurity, who went on to finish third in the finals.

Among his top graded Quarter Horse stakes-winning money earners were Gotta Get ($972,834), winner of the Championship at Sunland Park Stakes-G1; Rustys Miracle ($762,565), winner of the All American Derby-G1; Namehimastreaker ($627,649), winner of the Zia Futurity-G2; Gun Battle ($587,803), winner of the Zia Futurity-G1; and On Star Cowboy ($517,511), winner of the Challenger Six Handicap-G1.

His top Thoroughbred money earners included Romeos Wilson ($866,873), Shemoveslikeaghost ($582,486), Stormin the Jewels ($471,857), Runmore Mema ($426,557), and Hollywood Gone ($391,532).

Danley was still training through February of this year. Among his current runners were Grade 2 winner Pour Me A Drinkk ($224,941), who finished second in the Shue Fly Stakes-G2 on February 7, and Its a Good Valentine ($110,691), winner of last season’s Ruidoso Juvenile.

A true horseman in every sense, Fred Danley’s influence extended far beyond the winner’s circle. His dedication, knowledge, and quiet professionalism shaped generations of horsemen, and his absence leaves a lasting void in the racing community.

According to Danley’s granddaughter, Dakota Danley, funeral services are planned for February 20 at Hillcrest Funeral Home in El Paso at 6 p.m. A memorial service is also being planned later this summer at one of the racetracks.

Watch for more updates as StallioneSearch continues to gather additional information.

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