Michael R. Matz

Michael Matz
Matz in 2016
OccupationTrainer
Born (1951-01-23) January 23, 1951 (age 73)
Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career wins655+ (ongoing)
Major racing wins
American Classics / Breeders' Cup wins:
Kentucky Derby (2006)
Belmont Stakes (2012)
Breeders' Cup Distaff (2006)
Significant horses
Barbaro, Round Pond, Union Rags
Michael Matz
Personal information
Full nameMichael Ray Matz
NationalityAmerican
DisciplineShow jumping
Born (1951-01-23) January 23, 1951 (age 73)
Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Medal record
Equestrian
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1996 Atlanta Team jumping
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1986 Aachen Team jumping
Bronze medal – third place 1978 Aachen Individual jumping
Bronze medal – third place 1978 Aachen Team jumping
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1975 Mexico City Team jumping
Gold medal – first place 1979 San Juan Individual jumping
Gold medal – first place 1979 San Juan Team jumping
Gold medal – first place 1983 Caracas Team jumping
Gold medal – first place 1995 Mar del Plata Individual jumping
Bronze medal – third place 1975 Mexico City Individual jumping
Bronze medal – third place 1983 Caracas Individual jumping
Bronze medal – third place 1995 Mar del Plata Team jumping

Michael R. Matz (born January 23, 1951) is an American race horse trainer and former Olympic equestrian team member who was inducted into the show jumping Hall of Fame. He lives in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. As a trainer, he has scored two wins in the Classics, the 2012 Belmont Stakes with Union Rags and the 2006 Kentucky Derby with Barbaro. Matz also was named "person of the week" by ABC News for his heroism in saving four children from the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989 on which he was a passenger.