Mike Lauer scores 1,000th career training victory at Indiana Grand

Mike Lauer (center) is pictured with Jockey Declan Cannon and Rachel McLaughlin, on air racing analyst at Indiana Grand, following his milestone win with Miracles Take Time. (Photo by Linscott Photography)

It was evident that the third race at Indiana Grand was a little different than most Saturday, June 30. Track Announcer Bill Downes’ voice got very animated in the final strides of the race as Miracles Take Time and jockey Declan Cannon when it was clear they were going to record the victory. The race was a special moment for trainer Mike Lauer as Miracles Take Time scored the 1,000th career training win for Lauer.

“It feels really nice (to get 1,000 wins),” said Lauer regarding his milestone. “I’m glad to get it over with. I think we’ve had four seconds between the last win and tonight. I thought either one of our horses tonight had a chance to win, so it’s nice to get this milestone.”

Miracles Take Time, a homebred owned by Lauer’s wife, Penny, left the gate for Cannon on the outside early in the one mile turf race before finding a spot along the inside. Cannon then found racing room at the head of the stretch and shot through traffic, opening up to a four length advantage at the wire for the win with the Paddy O’Prado three-year-old filly. Ella T and Rodney Prescott finished second over Indian Feather and Jesus Castanon for third.

“We bought this filly’s mom (Miramar Miracle) from a sale as a brood mare about seven or eight years ago,” said Lauer. “It looks like this filly is going to be a grass horse. She’s got a grass pedigree and I thought she ran really well tonight. Declan (Cannon) rode a good race.”

Lauer is Indiana Grand’s all-time leading stakes winning trainer. The Ohio State University graduate has scored 32 career stakes victories in Indiana and is among the track’s all-time top 10 leading trainers. His wife, Penny, is among the track’s all-time top five leading owners. Lauer is currently among the track’s top 10 trainers again in 2018 with 12 wins and nearly $400,000 in purse earnings through the first 44 racing programs at Indiana Grand.

The Lauers have been active breeders in the Indiana program for nearly 15 years. They own and operate a 130-acre farm in Finchville, Ky. where the Lauers currently have 12 foals and 15 brood mares. The Lauers have three daughters, Liz, Sara and Abby. Lauer will head home this weekend to help celebrate daughter Sara’s birthday. Penny was unable to attend the race in which Lauer scored his 1,000th career victory due to duties at the farm.

“We have some sick foals so Penny had to stay home and care for them,” said Lauer. “Nobody gets too far away from the farm when something like that happens.”

The Lauers have been a powerhouse team on the Indiana circuit. They have been married for 38 years and share in the successes of the Stable. Lauer also competes at other racetracks in the Midwest, including the Kentucky tracks, Belterra Park and Presque Isle Downs. Indiana Grand has been on alert for the past week anticipating the milestone victory.

“I have to thank the many owners and employees who have worked for us over the years,” said Lauer. “It takes a team to win races.”

In addition to overseeing racing and breeding operations for Lauer Racing, he is also second vice president of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), a volunteer position for the racing industry in Indiana.

(from Indiana Grand news release)