Trainer Abrams Takes Leave of Absence

Trainer Barry Abrams, 62, has turned in his license and is taking a leave of absence due to health problems, but he said he might return to training, Santa Anita Park reported May 4.

"I might go back to training, I might not," said Abrams, who has battled throat cancer for 11 years. "At this point I'm officially not training any horses. I had to turn in my license. Otherwise, I can't run horses that I own, even though I only own pieces of horses now. I turned over my four horses to Tim Yakteen."

Abrams also is minority owner of prominent California stallion Unusual Heat, 26, who stands for $20,000 at Harris Ranch in Coalinga.

Abrams, who started as a groom in 1971 and began training in 1975, said he'll be back despite his health issues.

"The horses will be here forever, but it's not fair to my owners when I can't communicate," said Abrams, who earlier had half of his voice box removed. "It's hard to train when you can't yell at the jockeys or your help."