Bruce Headley, who trained such thoroughbred greats as Kona Gold, Street Boss, Bertrando, Variety Road, Surf Cat and Arson Squad, died Friday morning at Arcadia Methodist Hospital from the effects of a stroke at age 86.
Headley, an Arcadia resident, had been slowed the past few years by cardiac issues. He finished his 61-year career with 123 stakes victories, including the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Kona Gold ran in a record five Breeders’ Cup Sprints from 1998 to 2002, finishing third in 1998 and second in 1999.
Headley, who exercised his own horses into his 70s and had the same barn on the south side of the Santa Anita stable area for decades, bred and owned most of the horses he trained. He finished with 902 victories from 6,121 career starters, who totaled earnings of $38,682,030.
Born in Baldwin Park on Feb. 17, 1934, the colorful Headley, who was a huge favorite of race fans, was mucking stalls at age 14 and walking hots alongside a 16-year-old Bill Shoemaker at the Suzy Q Ranch in La Puente.
Headley took out his trainer’s license at age 25 and won his first race at the L.A. County Fair’s half-mile bullring in Pomona on Sept. 29, 1959, with a horse named Thorium, who he purchased for $500.
Headley is survived by his wife of 59 years, Aase, and daughter Karen and son Gus, both of whom are active trainers in Southern California.
