Donnie K Von Hemel

DONNIE VON HEMEL

Born: Oct. 10, 1961

Birthplace:  Manter, KS

Family: wife Robin, daughter Tess

• Von Hemel has enjoyed great success the last two years with Caleb’s Posse and Alternation. Caleb’s Posse won the 2011 Kings Bishop at Saratoga and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, while Alternation won the Peter at Belmont, In 2012, Caleb’s Posse was retired following to heart-breaking seconds in Grade 1 stakes and Alternation won three straight at Oaklawn, including the Oaklawn Handicap and the Pimlico Special.
• From one of racing's most recognizable families, Donnie and his brother, Kelly, are the sons of longtime Midwestern trainer and Nebraska Hall of Famer, Don Von Hemel. Donnie is the kingpin at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, holding virtually every training record at that track.
• He graduated from Fort Hayes State University with an accounting degree, but went into the family business in 1984. He won his first training title at Louisiana Downs in 1988 and began a run of dominance at Remington that includes his induction in their Hall of Fame in 1998.
• In addition to Alternation, his other stakes winners in 2012 were She’s All In, Soonerette and Another World. Other top horses he has trained over the years include Clever Trevor, Mariah's Storm, Evansville Slew, Custer, Leave a Legacy, Queen's Gray Bee, Explosive Girl, Mr. Ross and Bien Nicole.