TESTIMONIALS
Highlander Training Center
Bret Calhoun
Trainer
Two-time Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer Bret Calhoun has saddled over 3,100 winners with total earnings of over $85 million. Here’s what he has to say about Highlander Training Center and its graduates:
“It’s state-of-the-art. . . . I’ve been working with that group of people for a while, and they always do a good job.
"The horses come to us in good condition. They’re sound, healthy and well-educated; they’re physically and mentally ready. And that’s exactly what we’re looking for on this end.”
Robertino Diodoro
Trainer
The leading trainer by wins at the 2020 Oaklawn Park meet, Robertino Diodoro has won over 2,500 races and over $44 million in purse money during his career. He was also the nation’s third leading trainer by wins in both 2018 and 2019.
“At Highlander Training Center, the team is just as impressive as the facilities. They are hands-on horsemen and their communication is first rate. Horses at Highlander are not just a number. The Highlander team gives each horse the individual attention they need, and then communicate clearly to us what we need to know to give each horse their best opportunity for success at the track.
"And regarding the horses that come to us from Highlander, we couldn’t ask for them to look any better. It’s a professional operation in every way.”
Jeremiah Englehart
Trainer
Jeremiah Englehart has saddled over 1,600 winners and earners of over $38 million. Based in New York, he has ranked in the top 20 nationally in wins for the past five years, and his accomplishments include winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies with Ria Antonia.
“After visiting Highlander Training Center it was easy to figure out why I should send horses there. First class facilities, with all the bells and whistles and a top notch staff. Great communication with Scooter and Jeff made it easy to follow where my horses were with their layup and training. Larry and the team have cut no corners on the facilities. Can't wait to see the development of the turf gallop and rehab facilities. The first thing I said to Jeff is "my horses may never want to leave." Grade 1 care from every individual at the farm.”
Brendan Walsh
Trainer
UAE Derby-winning trainer Brendan Walsh on Highlander Training Center and its graduates:
“They’re doing a fantastic job there; they do things right. Their horses are as good as horses can possibly be coming to the track.”
Mike Stidham
Trainer
Mike Stidham has trained many top horses including Two Altazano, Synchrony, Tizaqueena, Upperline, Willcox Inn, Manzotti, Istanford, Zipessa and Her Emmynency to name just a few. His career record to date shows over 2,000 winners and earnings of over $65 million:
“Over the years of managing a large stable, we have received horses from numerous training centers across the country, from Florida to Kentucky, around the Midwest and along the East Coast. The best way to compare them is: ‘what is the condition of the horses when they arrive and is what I’m told by the training center accurate when it’s comes to the level of preparedness of the horses.’ Highlander Training Center gets extremely high marks in both of these categories.
“Highlander does an exceptional job of preparing the horses and communicating clearly and directly about each individual horse. The horses from Highlander Training Center are really mentally and physically prepared to come to the racetrack and move forward with their racing careers.
“Furthermore, their level of communication and transparency is as good as it gets.”
Joe Sharp
Trainer
Joe Sharp, trainer of earners of over $23 million including Grade I Haskell Invitational Stakes winner Girvin:
“Highlander training center does an exceptional job evaluating and preparing each horse as an individual, based on their needs. This is then communicated to the trainers when leaving which makes for a smooth transition to the racetrack.”
Lon Wiggins
Trainer
Multiple stakes winning trainer Lon Wiggins who’s runners have earned nearly $5 million in purses has this to say about Highlander Training Center and its team:
“Highlander Training Center is owned and managed by great people who are well respected throughout the industry. They are determined to make this one of the best state-of-the-art facilities , not only in Texas, but in the country. I recommend to people all the time to go by and visit, you’ll be amazed what a top notch facility it is.
“I can’t say enough about Scooter Dodwell and his staff. Besides being an excellent horseman, Scooter is very honest and hardworking. I have trusted him with my babies for almost three decades. Jon Newbold is a great assistant who is very hands on. The exercise riders are good enough to work for any trainer, at any racetrack, but why go to a racetrack when you can work at a facility like this? The grooms take pride in their horses and are very personable when we stop by to see our horses.
“ I’ve been very pleased with the way the yearlings which we send to Highlander come back to us as two-year-olds. They are in good flesh and well-prepared mentally and physically for their transition to the racetrack. Highlander is a great place for your youngsters to get their education.”
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