Wayne Catalano

Wayne Catalano

Born July 24, 1956 in New Orleans, La, Catalano started his career on the racetrack with Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg. His size made him a great candidate to be a jockey, and Catalano did just that, earning his first victory on May 20, 1974. He was ranked second in North America by wins in 1977, and retired from riding with knee problems in 1983. He had 1,792 wins to his credit.

As a trainer, Catalano has won nine training titles at Arlington Park. He's also been leading trainer at Hawthorne and Sportsman's Park. He is based in Chicago, but travels to south Florida during the winter months. Catalano has won three Breeders' Cup races, most recently with Stephanie's Kitten in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile FIllies Turf. He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies with She Be Wild in 2008 and Dreaming of Anna in 2006. He also trained Lewis Michael, winner of the Pat 'O' Brien Handicap at Del Mar in 2008. Other notable horses include Crypto Star, Tamwell, and Cuzzy Bear.

Catalano resides in Elgin, Illinois with his wife Renee and daughter Shelbi.