Dale Romans saddled his first winner in 1987 and brings deep racing roots to the sport. His father, Jerry Romans, also trained Thoroughbreds, and Dale grew up on the Churchill Downs backstretch alongside him. He took out his trainer’s license at age 18 and has since trained more than 1,600 winners, winning or tying for 10 training titles at Churchill Downs and capturing two training titles at Keeneland.

Romans’ most notable victories include the 2005 Dubai World Cup with Roses in May, the 2011 Preakness Stakes (G1) with Shackleford, the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) with Little Mike, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) with Court Vision, and the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) with Tapitsfly.

A prominent and outspoken figure within the Thoroughbred industry, Romans expanded his public leadership beyond the racetrack in 2025, announcing a campaign for the United States Senate in Kentucky in the 2026 election cycle.

Dale’s longtime partner, Tammy, is an integral part of his operation. A former jockey, she rides many of the Romans horses in the mornings.

Shackleford winning the 2011 Preakness Stakes (G1):