Trainer Profile: Bill Mott

Trainer Bill Mott

William Mott was born July 29, 1953 in Mobridge, South Dakota. He started training thoroughbreds at age 15. Bill worked his way up the ranks by becoming first an exercise rider, then an assistant trainer for three years for Hall of Fame Trainer Jack Van Berg. In 1978, Mott broke out on his own and he’s earned a reputation for his work ethic and his attention to detail with the horses.

From 1992 through 2007, Mott won 9 training titles at Saratoga Race Course. He’s also won 10 training titles at Belmont Park, nine at Gulfstream Park and five at Keeneland. Mott is the all-time leader in wins as a trainer at Churchill Downs with 700.

In 1995, Mott trained 2-time Horse of the Year Cigar, who won 16 consecutive races including the 1995 Breeder’ Cup Classic. At the time of Cigar’s retirement in 1996, Cigar was the highest money-earner of all-time with purses of $9,999,815.

Mott was voted back-to-back Eclipse Awards as top trainer in 1995 and 1996 and again in 2011, and was the recipient of the New York Turf Writers Association Outstanding Trainer Award in 1995, 1995 and 2000.

In 1998, at the age of 45, Mott became the youngest trainer ever inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Mott has trained seven year-end champions, and in 2010, Mott picked up his first Triple Crown victory with Drosselmeyer's upset of the Belmont Stakes at odds of 13-1. Drosselmeyer also won the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic at odds of 14-1.

Mott currently has a stable of approximately 100 horses, based primarily in New York and Kentucky. In 2016, he picked up his 10th career Breeders' Cup win when Tourist prevailed in the Breeders' Cup Mile.