Michael E. Lauer

With better than 35 years of experience to rely on, Lauer is
taking his first steps on the Derby Trail with Scatman. He has
watched every Derby since 1981 in person, but has yet to saddle a
horse in the race. Lauer picked up his interest in horses from his
father, who always had a few horses in training and some mares, and
he started training while an undergraduate at Ohio State. Based in
Kentucky, Lauer has occupied Barn 21 at Churchill Downs for three
decades. He and his family live on a farm in Finchville, about 30
minutes from the track. Lauer trains for a number of clients, but
owns many of the horses in his care. In addition to training
horses, Lauer owns and operates a regional horse vanning business.
Lauer has nearly 700 winners.