Biography: Dennis Heimer earned his nickname “Goose” because he’d stretch his neck out to look over people’s shoulders to sneak a peek at the Daily Racing Form, said his daughter, trainer Marya Montoya. She lost her father to a heart attack when she was 15 years old in 1989, but remembers him as a quiet man who would help any racetracker who needed it.

Although Heimer was awarded a basketball scholarship and went to college to become a teacher, he felt he’d make more money at the track, where he had been working summers. After working for Dan Lasater and David Vance, Heimer went on his own to win six training titles and saddled stakes winners including Clock’s Secret, Utmost Celerity, and Parx Hall of Fame inductee Cheating Arthur.

Graded Stakes Wins:
1985 – Prioress Stakes (G3) – Clocks Secret