Ford racks up $40 million before age 40
August 9, 2010,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Mark Ford reached a historic milestone this past Saturday night (August 7) as he became the first trainer to ever hit $40 million in career earnings before the age of 40.
USTA photo
Mark Ford
According to USTA records, which date back to 1991, Ford is just the sixth trainer to pass the $40 million career mark, joining Noel Daley, Bob McIntosh, Erv Miller, Brett Pelling and Jimmy Takter. Miller, at age 42, was previously the youngest to hit the milestone. Ford will turn 40 this October.
Ford has enjoyed tremendous success in recent seasons. After a run of six consecutive campaigns with earnings of $3 million, his stable set a career high with $4.11 million in 2009. He is currently closing in on the $3 million mark again this year, with $2,992,853 earned through August 7.
A native of West Virginia, Ford passed up an agricultural scholarship in England and instead traveled to Florida after high school to work with Clint Galbraith. He moved to the New York/New Jersey area in 1990 and eventually met Ted Wing, who became a big influence. Ford also credits Ray Schnittker with assistance on his road to stardom.
Ford first stepped into the national spotlight thanks to the pacing gelding Gallo Blue Chip, 2000 Horse of the Year and the richest pacer in the history of the sport with $4.26 million in earnings. He was named co-winner (along with Jimmy Takter) of the 2000 Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year Award by the United States Harness Writers’ Association.
Ford, who owns a 200-horse training center in upstate New York, is also a director of the United States Trotting Association.