Steven M. Asmussen Biography – Thoroughbred Horse Trainer

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Steven M. Asmussen Bio

Steven M. Asmussen is a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Image Source: Keith James Asmussen's Instagram.

  • Birth DateNovember 18, 1965
  • Birth Name Steven Mark Asmussen
  • Age 59
  • Also Known As Steve Asmussen
  • Father's Name Keith Asmussen
  • Mother's Name Marilyn Asmussen
  • Birth Place Gettysburg, South Dakota, USA
  • Birth Sign Scorpio
  • Nationality American
  • Profession Horse Trainer
  • Partner Julie Marie Asmussen
  • Relationship Status Married
  • Hair Color Grey
  • Children Keith Asmussen, Darren Asmussen, Erik Asmussen
  • Awards Honors Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer (2008, 2009), National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame(2016)
  • Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Asmussen

Steven M. Asmussen is a horse trainer from the United States. The excellent horse trainer also goes by the name Steve Asmussen. He has also worked as a jockey in the past.

Steve specializes in Thoroughbred racing. He is regarded as one of America’s best horse trainers. The horse trainer’s professional career is a known affair to the public. However, he has kept most of his personal life details out of the spotlight. 

So, let’s learn more about Steven M. Asmussen’s net worth, career, spouse, children, and life as a horse trainer.

Steven Comes From A Family Of Horse Racers

Steven M. Asmussen was born in Gettysburg, South Dakota, on November 18, 1965. His birth name is Steven Mark Asmussen. Moreover, he grew up in a horse racing family.

Steven M. Asmussen’s father, Keith Asmussen Sr., is a retired jockey, and his mother, Marilyn Asmussen, is also a trainer.

Steven M. Asmussen Parents
Steven M. Asmussen comes from a family of horse racers. Image Source: Keith James Asmussen’s Instagram.

When the trainer was two years old, he moved to Laredo, Texas, with his family. His parents now run El Primero Training Center and the Asmussen Horse Center, a breeding and sales operation in Laredo. Moreover, Steven’s older brother, Cash Asmussen, is a retired jockey and a trainer.

The South Dakota native started riding as a jockey at sixteen. He competed at racetracks in New Mexico, California, and New York. The competent jockey had to quit only after two years because of his height and weight.

Asmussen graduated from Laredo’s United High School in 1985.

Also Read: Learn About DeWanna Bonner’s Biography

Steven M. Asmussen Net Worth And Career

After his early retirement as a jockey, Steven started training horses. He won his first race as a trainer at Ruidoso Downs in 1986. Furthermore, he has won two Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer.

Some of the trainer’s significant horses are Curlin, Rachel Alexandra, Gun Runner, Untapable, Tapizar, Creator, and Midnight Bisou. Furthermore, he was awarded the U.S. Champion Thoroughbred Trainer by wins.

Moreover, Steven earned $24,235,247 in the 2008 season and won the U.S Champion Trainer by earning. He has a successful career with many racing wins. Hence, Steve Asmussen’s net worth must be increasing alongside his wins.

Here are some of his career stats with his earnings.

Year Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings
2021 2427 454 362 362 $31,330,684
2020 2278 420 369 312 $19,960,514
2019 2209 433 370 300 $27,497,750
2018 1905 400 344 284 $26,450,322

Table Reference: Equibase

Asmussen’s major wins came in Arkansas Derby, Ballerina Handicap, Kentucky Oaks, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, etc. In addition, he also succeeded in gaining international wins like Dubai World Cup and Nearctic Stakes in 2008 and 2011, respectively.

Thus, Steve Asmussen’s net worth can be estimated to be enormous, considering his total earnings and successful professional career. Looking at his fortune, he must be enjoying a comfortable life.

Likewise, Doug F. O’Neill is another well-known American horse trainer.

Who Is Steve Asmussen’s Wife?

The horse trainer is married to Julie Marie Asmussen. Steve Asmussen’s wife is a beautiful life partner and the mother of his three sons.

Julie and Steven have been married for more than two decades. Sadly, in September 2015, the trainer’s spouse was diagnosed with neck and throat cancer. While Julie was fighting cancer, Steven was fighting against the PETA’s allegations.

Even though that year was challenging for the couple, Mr. Asmussen continued his work and looked after his sick wife. Finally, in March 2016, Steven M. Amussen’s partner, Julie, was declared cancer-free by the doctors after months of treatment and medication.

Has Welcomed Three Sons

The American horse trainer is a father of three children. Steve Asmussen’s son, Keith James Asmussen, was born in 1999 as the eldest of the three Asmussen siblings. Just like his father, Keith is a jockey. At fifteen, he began his racing career and achieved his first win in July 2020 at Lone Star Park.

Steven M. Asmussen's Children
Steve Asmussen’s eldest son is a jockey. Image Source: Keith James Asmussen’s Instagram.

Steven and his wife welcomed their second son, Darren Asmussen, in 2001 and their youngest, Erik Asmussen, in 2003. The pair would have adored a daughter, but sadly they have only three sons. The Asmussen family frequently joins Steven and Keith at the races to cheer them on.

Steven has achieved a lot of success and fame in his profession. As one of the top horse trainers in the country, the respected trainer has made invaluable contributions to the horse racing industry.

We wish the competent trainer and former jockey more success in the future.