Few trainers in California racing carry the quiet confidence of Mark Glatt, who now finds himself once again in the thick of title contention at the Del Mar Fall Meet. Fresh off a string of milestone victories — including trainer titles at Del Mar and Santa Anita and a Washington Hall of Fame induction — Glatt’s steady, methodical rise continues to inspire both his peers and his team.
“It’s a very nice achievement,” Glatt said, reflecting on his run of success. “It’s a good accomplishment for my owners and my employees that work hard on these horses every day. But you have to stay humble. This game will bring you back to earth quickly.”
For Glatt, horse racing has always been more than just a livelihood — it’s a lifelong calling. The son of a respected Pacific Northwest conditioner, he grew up on a farm in Auburn, Washington, where horses were family and the sport was a way of life. After earning his degree, he took out his trainer’s license in 1994 and began carving his own path, capturing his first stakes win at Yakima Meadows.
His recent Hall of Fame induction, he said, felt like “a full-circle moment.”
“It was a nice presentation,” Glatt recalled. “Anytime you’re in the Hall of Fame of anywhere it’s very satisfying. Multiple people played a big role in that happening.”
A Trainer Grounded in Heritage and Heart
Glatt credits his father for shaping his philosophy as a horseman — not through lectures, but through example.
“I think he told me not to be a horse trainer,” Glatt said with a laugh. “He trained off instincts, and that’s the number one thing I took from him — making sure your horse is as happy and right as possible.”
Those instincts have carried him far. Over three decades, Glatt has developed a roster of top-tier runners such as Dr. Schivel, Sharp Samurai, Dr. Venkman, and Collusion Illusion — horses that helped him build one of the most consistent operations on the West Coast. Yet, he’s quick to point out that sentiment often outweighs statistics.
“Sometimes your favorite horses aren’t your best,” he explained. “You get attached to the ones that overcome adversity. You try to treat them all with the same respect and care.”
That humility and balance may explain why Glatt’s stable thrives season after season. “I think I’m a lifer,” he said, smiling. “Training is who I am.”
Fog Delays and Juvenile Stars Ahead at Del Mar
Sunday morning brought heavy fog to Del Mar, briefly disrupting training and canceling official timed works. Despite the limited visibility, some horses continued their gallops as trainers adjusted schedules around the weather.
By mid-morning, the skies cleared enough for 20 turf workers to complete their breezes — a vital reprieve, as Del Mar remains the only Southern California track offering turf works in November.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the Desi Arnaz Stakes and G3 Bob Hope Stakes next weekend — two juvenile showdowns expected to feature several promising runners from powerhouse barns including Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill.
Collected Moves West: A Boost for California Breeding
In other news, Grade 1 winner and leading sire Collected will relocate from Kentucky’s Airdrie Stud to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2026 breeding season, standing for $7,500. His success both on track and at stud — highlighted by over $18 million in progeny earnings — positions him as the state’s new flagship stallion.
“Collected has been a rock-solid sire, and now California breeders have access to a stallion that can truly elevate their programs,” said Airdrie Stud President Bret Jones.
Cooling Out
Trainer Jeff Mullins reported that Man O Rose, winner of The Chosen Vron, came out of his race in good order. Elsewhere, veteran trainer Brendan Galvin earned his first Del Mar victory with Horizon Wildcat, while Kopion, the talented filly trained by Richard Mandella, has been retired to Spendthrift Farm to begin her broodmare career.
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