Ken McPeek, a renowned trainer with a rich history in horse racing, is now at a crossroads in his career. At 62, he has achieved remarkable success but is beginning to look towards the end. His journey, filled with triumphs and challenges, offers valuable insights into the world of horse training and the importance of strategic planning.

Unraveling Ken McPeek's Career Journey in Horse Racing

Training Prowess: A Lifetime of Achievements

Ken McPeek's training career began in 1985 and has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has built a steady operation that has swept the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna and the Kentucky Derby 2024 with Mystik Dan. This feat is a testament to his expertise and dedication. His first Breeders’ Cup starter was a long time coming, but his perseverance paid off when Thorpedo Anna provided him with his first Breeders’ Cup triumph in November. With 37 previous starters and only one favorite, his success was a hard-won victory. His efforts extend far beyond the track, as he works the sales hard and is renowned for his ability to spot bargains. He owns and operates Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Ky., with his wife, Sherri, and developed the Horse Now app as a passion project.

Looking Ahead: The Next Phase of His Career

McPeek is not ready to slow down just yet. He has begun considering the next phase of his career and is thinking about an exit strategy. He envisions himself continuing for the next 8-10 years, perhaps even finding a young trainer to hand off to. He knows that there is a point in time when one must say enough and that it takes a lot of energy to continue training at a high level.

Promoting the Sport: A Devoted Effort

Few trainers are as devoted to promoting their sport as McPeek. He was honored with the Big Sport of Turfdom award by the Turf Publicists of America for his cooperation with members of the media and racing publicists. His decision to test Thorpedo Anna against the boys in the Travers and send Swiss Skydiver against males in the 2020 Preakness provided some of the few racing highlights during a challenging season. He is proud of the impact of Horses Now, which continues to grow by an average of 5,000 users per month.

Industry Challenges: The Need for a Change

McPeek laments that certain factions in the industry pursue self-interests while losing sight of the common good. He wants to see the sport grow domestically and is concerned about the declining number of fans and market share. The percentage of Americans who watch horse racing is disconcertingly low, and he believes that there is a need for a correction in the direction of the sport. He is willing to step back and devote his energy to finding solutions at some point in the future.