Dr. Mark Dedomenico, who achieved top racing results on the racetrack as owner of the 2010 champion filly Blind luck and off the track with the Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center near his home in Redmond, Washington, died Dec. 7. He was 87 years aged.
Supported by Dedomenico, John Carver, Peter Abruzzo and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, Blind Luck won the 2010 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Alabama Stakes (G1) to secure Eclipse honors. She returned at 4 to win the Vanity Handicap (G1). The daughter of Pollard's Vision secured Grade 1 stakes in each of her three seasons and placed second in the Oak Leaf Stakes (G1).
In honoring Dedomenico with a lifetime achievement award in 2017, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association described Dedomenico as a newfangled Renaissance man, noting that “the second-generation rider was a noted heart surgeon, inventor and author, and a founding member.” from Seattle.” Hope Heart Institute owns and operates the massive PRO Sports Health Club, built and operates the state-of-the-art Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center (not just for all horse breeds). He is a member of the board of Thoroughbred Owners of California and a former WTBOA board member.
Blind Luck wins the 2010 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
In a social media post on December 8th, coach Michael Puhich mourned Dedomenico's death.
“Horse racing and health care have lost a true legend whose legacy will live on forever,” said Puhich, who trained Profound Moment, a stakes winner Emerald Downsand other horses for Dedomenico. “I can truly say it was an honor and a privilege to work for him. … I can’t aid but feel like I’ve lost a father.”
Puhich was also a trainer and manager of horse operations at Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation.
In partnership, Dedomenico campaigned third grade winner and 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1) starter Bwana Bull. He also campaigned second grade winner Washington Bridge and third grade winner Wonderlandbynight. Another top runner from Washington was 2015 Emerald Downs Derby winner Prime Engine.
The son of Paskey Dedomenico, who was a well-known Thoroughbred buyer, owner and breeder in the Pacific in the 1970s and 1980s under the banner “Roni” (as a tribute to the family's Golden Grain company, which produced many well-known foods, among other things). Northwest (Rice-a-Roni), Mark was born into a family of racing drivers. His father founded the Woods Creek Training Center in Redmond (which Mark would continue to run).
According to the WTBOA, Dedomenico worked with renowned orthopedic veterinarian Dr. Wayne McIlwraith of Colorado State University to explore recent treatments for equine middle and lower knee injuries, as well as the employ of platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy.
At the 2015 WTBOA Annual Awards Dinner, Dedomenico was honored with the prestigious SJ Agnew Special Achievement Award for his leadership, vision and contribution to the Washington Thoroughbred industry.
