Mickey McGivern

Michael “Mickey” McGivern
Gansevoort, NY
Birthplace: Troy, NY
Birthdate: 10/13/56
Colors: Green-White

Mickey first learned about Standardbreds from his businessman father, John, who owned and trained horses at Saratoga part-time in the late 60’s—early 70’s. Mickey graduated high school in 1974 and went on to earn a five-year SUNY degree in Medical Technology before jumping back into the horse business in ‘78.

Mickey specializes in training two-year-olds. 1992 began the first of many dream seasons for the McGivern Stable. Pacer Cam’s Magic Trick completed a remarkable season, competing in the Babic Memorial (win) and the Sheppard (second) while earning over $350,000 in purses. In ’93, Cam’s Magic Trick’s little brother, Cam’s Card Shark (1:55.2m, 14-5-3-5 $233,490), duplicated his brother’s feat of winning the Babic and finished a respectable third in The Cadillac Breeder’s Crown. In ’96, Mickey trained Two-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year in the country. Michelle’s Jackpot (1:54.4 5/8 16-7-3-3 $548,975). That year, Michelle’s Jackpot won the $452,600 Three Diamonds Final at Garden State Park in 1:54.4 and finished second in the $576,533 Breeders Crown Final at Mohawk Raceway. In ’97, Mickey trained pacer Bear Dance (1:53—1, 11-4-4-0, $312,163), who finished second in the $765,750 Woodrow Wilson Final.

Mickey and his wife, Cheryl, manage their stable. A horse that Mickey and Cheryl find to be special is their family pet, Classic Ty. They bought him inexpensively and he won for them twice in 1:51.3 and once in 1:51.4. They took most of the money he earned and built a new home that they fondly call “The House That ‘Ty’ Built”. The McGivern’s, married since 1992, have three boys, Jeffrey, Beau and Cory, a huge harness racing fan.

Mickey relinquished most of his training to his son Cory, who had an excellent year for himself.