Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted August 12, 2020 Journalists Share Posted August 12, 2020 According to published reports, longtime California trainer Melvin Stute passed away Wednesday. He had just turned 93. Born in Indiana before moving westward with his family as a child, Stute was the brother of fellow California fixture Warren Stute–who died in 2007–and the father of active trainer Gary Stute. Mel Stute’s career reached a peak in the mid-80s. He conditioned Snow Chief (Reflected Glory) to victories in the GI Santa Anita Derby and GI Preakness S. in 1986 and Brave Raj (Rajab) to a GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies score that same year. Both won championship honors in their respective categories that season, and Stute’s trainees racked up more than $4.8 million overall. Stute added another Breeders’ Cup trophy the following term when Very Subtle (Hoist the Silver)–also a Grade I winner as a juvenile filly in 1986–bested older males in the GI Sprint. Also known for being an active horseplayer, Stute saddled his first winner at Portland Meadows in 1947 and final winner in 2010. His last starter came the following year. From 15,808 recorded (but incomplete) career starts, his runners amassed $55,653,244 in earnings. Stute was inducted into the Fairplex Park Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award in 2006. He won 12 training titles at California tracks and was the winningest trainer in Fairplex history. In addition to son Gary, Stute is survived by his wife Annabelle, two daughters and six grandchildren. Services have not yet been announced. The post Mel Stute Dies at 93 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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