Sisterson to Head West to Del Mar With Public Stable

Jack Sisterson, a private trainer for Calumet Farm since 2018, will continue to train a select group of horses for the Brad Kelley-owned farm while opening a public stable, he said June 2. 

Currently based at Keeneland near Lexington, Sisterson plans to train this summer at Del Mar. He expects to fill 25-30 stalls while hoping to expand. Thoroughbred Daily News previously reported the opening of his public stable.

"The way to grow and to expand is to keep challenging yourself. I'm very happy and comfortable where I am, but I was always going to be in Lexington, that sort of thing," Sisterson said. "So (Calumet) sort of challenged me with 'Why don't you try the public training and pick up the best horses you have for us and take those?' To get the support from them has been unbelievable. It's given me all the confidence in the world to continue to win big races for them, as well as other clients that we're going to take on board."

The 37-year-old English native, a graduate of the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, is 75-for-621 as a trainer, a record that includes stakes victories in the 2021 Man o' War Stakes (G1T) with Channel Cat  , the 2021 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) with Lexitonian  , the 2020 Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) with Vexatious , and the 2020 Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) with True Timber  .

Sisterson said Dinner Party Stakes (G2T) runner-up Tango Tango Tango  will be one of the horses he will continue to train for Calumet in California, mentioning the July 31 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar as one potential target for the turf horse.

Sisterson said he has received an enthusiastic response from other owners excited to pursue the "Ship & Win" incentive program offered in California. Del Mar's program offers out-of-state horses a $5,000 starter bonus for horses making their first dirt start and a 50% purse bonus for every dirt start over the course of the meet. Turf horses receive a $4,000 starter bonus in their first grass race and a 40% purse bonus for every turf start.

Horses that qualify for eligibility via Del Mar's Summer Ship & Win program retain eligibility for one start at Santa Anita at that track's autumn meet.

Sisterson suggested he could return east in the fall or operate two divisions of runners.

Norm Casse, Patrick Biancone, and Robertino Diodoro are other expected additions to Del Mar training ranks this summer, Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens said. Mike Maker is also likely to return with a string after having a division last year, Jerkens noted.

Sisterson is no stranger to California racing, having assisted the Southern California-based Doug O'Neill before launching his training career. He worked for O'Neill for about eight years, during which time the trainer won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) with I'll Have Another  (2012) and Nyquist   (2016).