Angel Penna, Sr.

Biography

Angel Penna had quite the cosmopolitan career. He trained 49 stakes winners in North America, 40 in Europe, and 40 in South America.

Born in 1923 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Penna was the son of an accomplished trainer. He began working with his father as a youth in Argentina and served as his key assistant for several years. Penna then went out on his own and was Argentina’s leading trainer in 1952.

Two years later, he moved to Venezuela, where he trained for six years at La Rinconada in Caracas. During the 1950s, Penna also entered major grass races in the United States, but it was not until 1961 that he relocated to America.

In the 1970s, Penna went to France, where he was leading trainer in 1974. Penna trained Allez France, the first filly to earn more than $1 million. Allez France won the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1974, giving Penna his second win in the race; he previously won the Arc in 1972 with San San.

Penna returned to New York in 1978 and reiterated his versatility, winning major stakes with Hall of Famer Waya, including the Flower Bowl, Diana, Man o’ War, and Turf Classic. The Penna-trained Relaxing was champion handicap mare in 1981, winning the Ruffian, Delaware, John B. Campbell, and Assault handicaps.

Achievements

English Classics Highlights

Won the1976 Epsom Oaks — Pawneese
Won the 1976 St. Leger Stakes — Crow
Won the 1976 One Thousand Guineas — Flying Water

French Classics Highlights

Won the 1973 Prix de Diane — Allez France
Won the 1977 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches — Madelia

Other Highlights

Won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe — 1972, 1974