They've been racing thoroughbreds since the 17th century, and no trainer's horses have earned more money than his have. Like LeBron, he's a first-name guy in his sport. When you say Todd, Pletcher is understood. He's even a virtual presence on Twitter, where the imposter @NotTheToddster has satirized him for years.
Pletcher, who turns 52 this month, remains at the top of his game _ third nationally this year with more than $8.7 million, raising his career total beyond $375.8 million. His accomplishments fill nearly two pages in the New York Racing Association's media guide. He has seven Eclipse Awards, a record for a trainer. He's won the Kentucky Derby twice and the Belmont Stakes three times. If not for being on the wrong side of tight finishes, Pletcher would have five trophies from the 1 {-mile "Test of the Champion."
In the 2014 Belmont, Tonalist rallied to deny Pletcher's Commissioner, a 28-1 outsider, by a head. Two years later, it was even more brutal as 15-1 Creator came from far back and nailed 8-1 Destin by a nose. The stoic Pletcher's comment: "Tough beat."
