Michael Matz is a professional horse trainer known for his success in thoroughbred racing. He gained prominence after training the famous racehorse Barbaro, who won the 2006 Kentucky Derby before suffering a tragic injury. Matz has a background in both riding and training, which has contributed to his understanding of horse behavior and performance. Before becoming a trainer, Matz was an accomplished equestrian, competing in the Olympics as a show jumper. His experience in various equestrian disciplines has helped him develop a well-rounded approach to training racehorses. Matz continues to be a respected figure in the horse racing community.