Leading Illinois horse trainer Michael Stidham has spent many summers on the backside of Arlington Park Race Course in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This under-utilized horse racing palace located 30 minutes from downtown Chicago should take pride in calling Stidham one of its own. Stidham saddled Mystic Guide to a huge purse in the 2021 edition of the Dubai World Cup. The presence of top horsemen like Stidham in Illinois is in question when Churchill Downs, Inc. shutters the suburban oval.
Mystic Guide went to post as the 8-5 public choice in this $12 million Grade 1 affair. His many backers were never nervous. The 4yr old son of Ghostzapper effortlessly stalked the easy early pace. This tactic set up a winning move entering the long Meydan Race Course stretch. With Luis Saez in the irons, Mystic Guide brought hometown trainer Michael Stidham his first win on foreign soil.
Japanese bred Chuwa Wizard and Europe-based Magny Cours filled out the rest of the trifecta.
Michael Stidham was introduced to the world of horse racing by his father, trainer George Stidham. Starting his training career and sending out his first winner way back in 1979, the younger Stidham now spends his summers at the soon to be defunct Arlington Park. While also calling Fair Grounds in Louisiana home, Stidham has been a force to be reckoned with wherever he stables his horses.
Stidham’s Stats
Prior to this weekend’s achievement, Stidham’s career stats include saddling 2,143 winners from 11,848 starters. His purses have totaled over $69 million in earnings. With over $4 million in earnings during 2020, he was ranked 22nd among North American trainers. The $7.2 million winner’s share of the Dubai World Cup purse will guarantee his 2021 will be even better. Congratulations to the entire Stidham team. Hopefully they return to Illinois’ Hawthorne Casino and Race Course when Arlington Park closes its doors this fall.
