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Armando Lage
Born: September 2, 1957
Mexico City, Mexico
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ARMANDO LAGE
Born: September 2, 1957, Mexico City, Mexico
Has been the second-leading trainer at nine major meetings in Northern California.
Was runner-up at Bay Meadows at the following meetings: 2003 fall, 2003 spring,
2002 fall, 2002 spring, 2001 fall, and 1999 winter/spring.
Took second at Golden Gate Fields at the following seasons: 2002-2003, 2001-2002, and 1999-2000 winter.
Tied for sixth in the trainer standings at the 2008 Golden Gate Fields spring session.
Has ranked among the top six trainers at each of the past seven major meetings in the Bay Area.
Saddled his 1,000th career winner on Aug. 13, 2007, at the San Mateo County Fair meeting at Bay Meadows. Scored milestone victory with Son Montuno in the fourth race.
Had 1,073 career victories through July 16, 2008.
Had two very strong years back-to-back when he won 127 races in 2002 and a career high 141 races in 2003. Ranked 15th in the nation in wins in 2003 and 19th in 2002.
Scored his biggest stakes win in 1993 when he captured the Grade 3 Palos Verdes Handicap at Santa Anita with Music Merci.
Also trained stakes winners Carmen’s Baby, Cryptarch, Iamtheiceman, and Obermeister.
Learned the training trade from his father, Roberto, who trained horses in his native Cuba and was best friends with Hall of Fame conditioner Laz Barrera. When Barrera moved to Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City, Roberto followed.
First obtained a trainer's license as a 17-year-old at the Hipodromo de las Americas when he took over a string of horses for his ailing father. His first day on the job he saddled two winners and both were ridden by former Bay Area jockey Rafael Meza.
Took out his first trainer's license in the United States in 1984 and enjoyed several productive years in Southern California.
In 1997, with his Southern California stable virtually depleted, he made the decision to move to Northern California and soon put together a major operation.
Made Bay Area handicappers take notice of his stable in 1998 when he finished fourth in the trainer standings at the Bay Meadows fall meeting with 15 victories.
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