Don Swick is a name that is very familiar in the standardbred world. Swick has enjoyed success for many years as a top trainer in harness racing with his share of champions throughout a career which took off in 1968
when he notched first pari-mutual win in Cleveland, Ohio as a driver-trainer with a horse named Strawberry Sundae.
Known for his level of success in the harness racing world, Don Swick recently gained a new found interest in the sport of thoroughbred racing. On Sunday, March 28th of this year, Swick made his first start as a thoroughbred trainer at Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa Bay, Florida. Less than a month later, and in his second start, he found himself in the winner's circle (as owner and trainer), with his four-year-old filly Kouloura. In addition to this filly, he also has a two-year-old in training.
Last fall Swick attended the yearling sales in Kentucky (Keenland). He said they were practically giving them away -- well bred horses. Swick made a bid and he and his wife left the sale with a yearling, who is currently training at a thoroughbred training facility in Florida. As for Kouloura, Swick acquired her for a little of nothing this past winter in Florida.
The road to success in which Don Swick has traveled has been anything but boring, campaigning world champions, breaking world records, and winning Breeders Crown races. With such great horses as Cams Swifty, Lonestar Legend (1:49.3 on a half), Hobos Willie, and Fast Photo, Swick's career as a harness trainer has been very interesting.
As his venture into the thoroughbred side takes off, the question is obvious; Is Swick looking to race in the Kentucky Derby? He says, "At this point no. Right now its just mostly a challenge for me."
Although Swick says right now its just a challenge, the phone has been ringing. The four-year-old filly has some people interested in buying her. Swick says if he doesn't sell her, he will send her to Toronto to race.
For now, Don Swick is focus on his 14-horse standardbred stable, but who knows what lies ahead. Keeping that in mind, for a trainer who has been known to produce a champion (or two), don't be surprised if the name Don Swick turns up on a list of trainers for a Kentucky Derby in the future.
(KyHarnessRacing.com)