Michael
Pender

Michael Pender is is a veteran horseman and bloodstock advisor whose career spans decades at the highest levels of Thoroughbred racing. As the principal of Pender Bloodstock Services and the designated bloodstock agent for Dutch Girl Holdings, LLC, Pender brings a rare blend of horsemanship, analytical rigor, and hands-on racing experience to the partnership.

Pender first rose to prominence on the Southern California circuit as a trainer, where for more than 15 years he “punched well above his weight,” developing and campaigning top-class runners on modest budgets. His training résumé includes Grade I winners such as Jeranimo and Ultimate Eagle—both purchased for approximately $70,000 and developed into elite performers—illustrating his long-standing reputation for identifying value and maximizing equine potential.

A Southern California native, Pender entered racing after a successful career in education, having earned degrees in psychology and spent 15 years teaching before transitioning full-time to the racetrack. His unconventional path has informed a thoughtful, disciplined approach to horse selection, ownership education, and long-term program management.

In recent years, Pender has focused his efforts on the bloodstock side of the industry, applying the same keen eye and due-diligence-driven philosophy that defined his training career. Known for sourcing quality athletes at accessible prices, he has built a reputation for “finding diamonds in the rough” and for taking calculated risks alongside his clients.

Pender’s partnership with Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures has produced standout results on the racetrack. He selected and advises on runners including multiple graded-stakes winner Queen Maxima and Grade I winner Intrepido, both of whom have earned national attention and competed at the sport’s highest levels. Within the Dutch Girl Holdings program, Pender serves as a trusted advisor and team architect—identifying prospects at public auction, guiding ownership through the acquisition process, and working closely with trainers and partners to develop horses capable of competing in elite company.

Today, through Pender Bloodstock Services, Michael Pender continues to apply decades of experience as a trainer, horseman, and evaluator to help Dutch Girl Holdings build a competitive and sustainable racing stable. His collaborative approach, practical insight, and proven record of sourcing high-quality runners make him an integral partner in our ongoing success.