Trainer Don Von Hemel

Born: 5/14/34  Resides Hot Springs, Arkansas  Family: Roylynn, wife; Pam, daughter; Donnie K. and Kelly, sons

Don Von Hemel, himself the son of a trainer, was briefly a jockey, but got interested in training while still a teenager. He learned the horse business under Guy Rorick and L.O. “Spec” Lane, who had extensive ranching interests near Manter.

Won and his wife make their home in Hot Springs. In addition to Oaklawn, he is a regular at Prairie Meadows and Arlington with forays into Kentucky.

Don Von Hemel first made racing headlines with the filly Pam’s Dream. In 1967, Pam’s Dream sprinted home in 1:15 2/5 at the New Mexico State Fair – the fastest six and a half furlongs in North America that year.

In 1984, he sent out Win Stat in a mile and 70-yards feature at Oaklawn. Win Stat won in 1:38 2/5, establishing world, American and local track records.

In recent years, his barn has been headed by Sand Ridge, Cowboy Stuff and Battle Mountain.

Don is always a force among Oaklawn trainers. A few seasons back, he trained No Spend No Glow to win the Essex, Razorback, Fifth Season Breeders’ Cup and Promised City locally. In 1981, Von Hemel won the Oaklawn training title.

Among other accomplishments, Von Hemel is a highly-regarded member of the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame.