Last updated: 6/28/12 5:21 PM
Trainer Mike Mitchell was diagnosed Monday with a brain tumor, according to
his wife Denise. A 17-time leading conditioner on the Southern California
circuit, the 64-year-old will undergo surgery Friday to remove it.
“He’s at USC Medical Center right now and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow
at 9 a.m.” Denise said Thursday morning. “Hopefully, they can remove the tumor
and then run tests. We won’t know anything until after the surgery.”
Last Saturday, Mitchell saddled Potesta for a game victory in the Grade 2
Hollywood Oaks. He is the second all-time leading trainer at Hollywood Park with
884 victories.
In his absence, longtime assistant trainer Phil D’Amato will handle
Mitchell’s business.