Dale Romans
Born and raised in Louisville and a graduate of Butler High School, Romans grew up on the Churchill Downs backstretch learning his trade from his father, veteran trainer Jerry Romans, who passed away in 2000 – two years after saddling his 211th and final winner at Churchill Downs. Romans took out his trainer’s license in 1986 at age 18 and saddled his first winner at Turfway Park on Feb. 15, 1987, with Miss Mindy that he bought for $1,500. He’s recorded more than 1,900 since, including major stakes triumphs with top-level horses such as millionaire Grade I winners Roses in May, Little Mike, Shackleford, Kitten’s Joy, Silver Max, Keen Ice, Dullahan, Paddy O’Prado, Tapitsfly, Swift Temper, Brody’s Cause, Thorn Song and Court Vision.
His career accomplishments include a trio of Breeders’ Cup wins – the 2009 Juvenile Fillies Turf with Tapitsfly, 2011 Mile with Court Vision and 2012 Turf with Little Mike – and a victory in the 2011 Preakness Stakes with Shackleford.
