HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Ralph Nicks will bring down the curtain on his 20-year training career following the conclusion of Sunday’s program at Gulfstream Park. Nicks, 57, has saddled 722 winners, the most notable being Eclipse Award winner Caledonia Road, winner of the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. He also won the Grade 1 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs four years earlier with Aubby K. Nicks learned the ropes from his father, trainer Morris Nicks, before eventually becoming an assistant for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, during which time he was the regular exercise rider for two-time Horse of the Year Cigar. Nicks began his training career in 2004 while campaigning in Kentucky and New York before settling in South Florida on a regular basis 10 year ago. “It’s time, I’ve been here a long time. It’s just the way the business is going, with clients passing away,” said Nicks when asked why he made the decision to retire at this point in his life. “I’ve had a lot of years invested. I want to get away and do some things before I get too old and can’t. “I’ve had a pretty good career. I’ve trained a champion and nine Florida Sire Stakes winners. I’ve had a good run, and maybe it’s time for a new chapter.” :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Nicks, who said he’s planning on doing some traveling around the United States, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the racing business again some time down the road. “I might want to get into some consulting, buying yearlings and things like that at some point,” Nicks said. “But for now, I’m going to clear the head and enjoy life a little bit.” :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.