Finding Prev. Trainer/Owner of Track Pony Horse

Question
Hi!
   I was given through the Santa Anita Racetrack TB Rescue (So.
Calif.) an 8 Year-Old Full Quarter Horse (Not Appendix) that was
given to me off the track when the Trainer said he could not use
him anymore due to lameness issues.
   This Pony Horse is the best Quarter Horse i've EVER owned,
and would like to ride him in AQHA events but do not know his
registered name (AQHA couldn't help)梐nd was never told the
name of the Trainer who donated him. The Org. I got the horse
from doesn't exist anymore.
   Any ideas on how I might go about finding the TRAINER'S
name? Or even get a listing of the ones who train out of Santa
Anita over the last 3 years? I've been all over the web & can't find
what I need.
   Any suggestions would help!
Thanks so much for your time!
Debi F.

Answer
Debi,

How wonderful that you rescued such a great horse!

Unfortunately, there really isn't any easy way to find all of the trainers that have raced at Santa Anita in the past three years.  You can try calling the Racing Secretary's office and explaining your situation, but they probably can't help you much.  

Your best bet would be to create a flyer, with photos and any distinguishing marks, along with all available details,  and ask the racing office to post it on their bulletin board.  Even if the horse's owner is long gone, maybe someone else will recognize your horse.  After all, some groom was taking care of him daily, and probably a rider or assistant rode him at times as well.  And maybe another trainer will recognise him from seeing him ridden out every day.

You also have to accept the fact that he may not even be registered.  It wouldn't be unusual at all for a trainer to have an unregistered pony.  If that is the case, you're probably doomed.  
But if he is registered, the AQHA may actually be able to help you.  They may do some sort of markings search, for a fee.  Some breeds do, if they have a the right type of searchable database.

Good luck with your search!

Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com