Trainer Mike Taphorn with Manitoba-bred star No Show No Call. (George Williams)
By G. S. Thompson
Assistant Director of Racing Derek Corbel reports there are now 200 horses on the grounds as opening day Tuesday, May 13 fast approaches, with four more trainers shipping in this week including Will Tourangeau, Jamie Hartmann, Terry Cole and Larry Cizik. Trainer Mike Taphorn is already here with his star Manitoba-bred No Show No Call, and he will have over 20 horses in his stable this year.
Taphorn, who is also a farrier, quickly caught the eye of handicappers and owners alike with his winning ways at Assiniboia Downs when he arrived here from Saskatchewan in 2020, and he has now compiled a career record of 138-117-84 from 670 starts, a 21 percent career win clip that was even better in 2023 and 2024 at 32% and 24%, respectively.
Growing up around horses in Lake Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Taphorn was destined for a life in the equine world. The 45-year-old trainer spent his childhood on a farm where both parents rode and his mother showed horses competitively. “We used to show horses as kids all the time, and then kind of graduated from there,” said Taphorn.
Trainer Mike Taphorn talking to No Show No Call.
Taphorn’s transition to the racing world began almost by accident. After owning a few racehorses with his parents, Taphorn decided he could do better himself. “I was at the track with horses. And I’m like, you know what? I can do this. I’ve been around horses my whole life.” That confidence led to his first win as a trainer in 2005, starting with just a single horse.
His stable has grown significantly from 14 horses last year to over 20 this year, with more possibly on the way. The barn includes promising 3-year-olds with diverse breeding – Saskatchewan-breds, Manitoba-breds, California-breds, and even a Kentucky-bred.
No Show No Call, owned by the partnership of Staffmax Stable and Club 3D Stable, remains Taphorn’s stable star after winning six races last year including the Frank Arnason Memorial Sire Stakes and the J. W. Sifton Stakes. The Manitoba-bred son of Kentucky Bear was the leading earner at Assiniboia Downs in 2024 with US$77,137. He’ll face older horses this season, a challenging transition for any young horse, but Taphorn is hopeful.
Taphorn is also excited about an unnamed 3-year-old Manitoba-bred with impressive bloodlines. “All his full siblings are runners,” said Taphorn, pointing to a pedigree page featuring siblings with earnings of $215,000, $123,000, and $74,000.
With his expanding stable and growing reputation, the Saskatchewan horseman is making his mark at Western Canada’s premier racetrack, bringing solid horsemanship and a winning touch to Manitoba.
Well done Mike!