Humberto Ascanio, the longtime assistant to the late Hall of Fame trainer
Bobby Frankel, will welcome back Juddmonte Farms’ homebred MIDSHIPS (Mizzen
Mast) into his care in January. Juddmonte decided to send the Grade 1 winner to
Ascanio, even though the majority of their horses have been transferred to Hall
of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
“I still have about 10 horses,” Ascanio said from his Hollywood Park base.
“I’m OK; I’m fine, I’m happy. Juddmonte has been real good to me. I can’t
complain. In fact, next month they’re going to send me Midships, who I won three
stakes with (the Charles Whittingham Memorial H. [G1], San Juan Capistrano
Invitational H. [G2] and San Luis Rey H. [G2]).
“Juddmonte has been wonderful over the years, and they’ve really helped me.
They’re real fine people. I couldn’t ask for any more. They helped me through
the end of the year, and I understand their moving some horses elsewhere. But
like I say, they’re sending me Midships, and hopefully, that will open the door
for them to send me more.
“I know I won’t have the same kind of horses as before, but I’m confident
everything will be all right. I have a couple of nice horses and still have some
other owners who are supporting me.”
Ascanio has also received positive reviews from the media, who recognized his
understated contribution to Frankel’s success.
“I’m real appreciative of that,” Ascanio said. “They’ve given me a great vote
of confidence, and I thank them very much.”
Ascanio had ample opportunity to express his gratitude to Frankel during the
months as death approached, although they rarely expressed exuberance publicly.
“The good thing was, (Juddmonte Farms’) VENTURA won the Matriarch (G1) in her
final race, and Bobby wanted her to do that,” Ascanio said. “He wanted to make
sure she went out a winner.”