Residence: Poteau, Okla.

A Four-Time Leading Owner at Oaklawn

• Four-time Oaklawn leading owner Danny Caldwell has 158 career victories in Hot Springs, including 11 in 2021 to finish second in a tie with Shortleaf Stable in the standings.
• Oaklawn’s leading owner in 2014 (24 victories), 2015 (18), 2016 (22), and 2017 (22).
• Recorded first Oaklawn victory March 13, 2008 (Smokin’ Spirit).
• Recorded first Oaklawn stakes victory when Domain’s Rap won the opening-day $125,000 Fifth Season for older horses in 2017.
• Caldwell’s wife, Allison, recorded her first Oaklawn victory as an owner on April 6, 2019 (Drc All Inclusive).
• Caldwell learned to appreciate horses growing up on an Oklahoma farm. After graduating from Northeastern State University, he spent 13 years coaching high school football, basketball and girls softball. During those years, he also dabbled in Quarter-Horse ownership and claiming after attending the races at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw.
• Eventually, his brother approached him with an opportunity to go into the natural stone business, which afforded him the chance to get serious about the horse business. After starting out small by claiming a few horses at Churchill Downs in 2007, the operation became a full-time operation more than five years ago when he hired Federico Villafranco as his private trainer.
• Caldwell has also earned top honors as leading owner at Remington Park – a record 12 times through 2021 – and is a four-time leading owner at Prairie Meadows.
• Known for being a hands-on owner and having a keen eye for the claiming game, some of his favorite horses are Herecomesthemannow and Fifth Date, both former claimers that won stakes. Finished second in the 2021 Essex Handicap with Rated R Superstar, also a wise claim.