Randy Morse

RANDY MORSE

Born: 05/07/62, Canutillo, Tex.

Resides: Hot Springs, Ark.

Family: Daughter, Taylor           

Through early February, trainer Randy Morse finds himself in a similar spot from last year when he sat among the leading trainers. He finished 2011 in a three-way tie for fourth in the standing with 19 wins, including his victory in the $100,000 Essex Handicap with 2010 National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s claimer of the year Kate’s Main Man.

Kate’s Main Man, who is back at Oaklawn for 2012, follows a long list of successful claims by Morse. Over the years, the Texas native has developed a reputation for having an astute eye for horses and many of his successful stakes winners were claims he made. Among the most talented of that group was Morluc, who was a $50,000 claim and went on to earn over $1 million. He also paid $50,000 to claim Prospector’s Song, winner of the Spring Fever, Dixie Belle and Martha Washington stakes at Oaklawn. Other claims to fame include Magnify, Well Noted, My Son Bill, Shaacopate, Joseph’s Robe and Catniro. 

Morse is the son of W.R. “Charlie” Morse, who trained at Oaklawn Park for many years. He grew up on the race track, handling backstretch jobs of hot walker, groom, foreman, stable agent and at age 15, was galloping horses.