LAUREL, MD—Horse Racing Nation named Live Oak Plantation’s Victory Achieved the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s $100,000 Laurel Dash, a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up on the Fort Marcy Turf Course.

The Laurel Dash shares top billing on the nine-race program with the $100,000 Sensible Lady Turf Dash for fillies and mares, also run at six furlongs over the Fort Marcy.

Gates open at 11 am ET, and the first post time is 12 pm ET. There are two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout.

Victory Achieved has raced three times in 2026, winning a high-level Gulfstream allowance on Tapeta on May 30, placing second in the Karl Boyes Stakes at Presque Isle Downs on July 3, and finishing a close second in Colonial’s Van Clief Stakes on turf at 5 ½ furlongs on August 1.

“At one time, we thought Victory Achieved really might be a top horse,” said trainer Mark Casse about the Grade 3-placed 5-year-old gelding by Street Sense. “He’s had a few little things along the way, but he’s come back this year and run very consistently. He looks like he should be fairly tough, and I think he’ll like that three-quarters on the turf.”

Kentucky Derby-winning rider Sonny Leon rides Victory Achieved, whom Casse believes will race near the pace.

One of the horses that finished behind Victory Achieved in the Van Clief is Witty, owned by Elizabeth Merryman and Marc Detempel. The popular 7-year-old finished second in the 2023 Laurel Dash and became a millionaire by winning the restricted Ben’s Cat Stakes here on June 20.

Trainer Merryman said during Laurel’s spring meet that Witty, a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Caravel, missed the end of the 2025 turf season due to a wrenched ankle but healed beautifully over the winter.

He won his first two races this year, including the Ben’s Cat, then finished eighth in the Van Clief after a slow start compromised him.

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Darlene Bilenski’s Senbei, a Grade 3-winning gelding by Candy Ride, ships down from his New York base. Trained by Miguel Clement, Senbei, a 7-year-old New York-bred, hasn’t raced since finishing last of seven in the restricted New York Turf Sprint Championship at Aqueduct in October.

Hollywood Racing’s Isivunguvungu drew into the Laurel Dash from the Also Eligible list. Conditioned by Graham Motion, Isivunguvungu won his seasonal debut at Laurel Park in a high-level allowance race on June 19.

“That was really cool,” said Motion’s assistant trainer, Ian Wilson, in the winner’s circle. “We thought he needed a little more time to get him to the races this year, and it obviously worked out well today.”

A true globe-trotter, Isivunguvungu was bred by Narrow Creek Farm and made his first 15 starts in his home country, where he won two Group 1 sprints.

Isivunguvungu brought a strong reputation to Motion’s barn in 2024. He won Colonial’s Da Hoss Stakes immediately, then finished seventh, two lengths behind, in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Motion brought Isivunguvungu back to the races for a 2025 campaign that included a trip to Dubai for the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint. Isivunguvungu has raced once since his Laurel victory this year, finishing sixth in the Van Clief.

Trainer Ned Allard expects to saddle two horses in the Laurel Dash. Alogon, owned by the Estate of Charles T Matses, won the Grade 3 Belmont Turf Sprint at Aqueduct, completing his 2025 campaign. The son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome has raced twice this year.

“His first start [fourth in Monmouth’s Get Serious Stakes on June 21], he stumbled pretty badly and almost lost the rider,” Allard said. “Then he got back in gear. He hadn’t run in eight months. I think he might have even needed one. He needed a perfect trip, and he didn’t get it.”

Allard felt that Alogon had a “less-than-perfect trip” when finishing seventh in the Van Clief. The veteran trainer is happy not to have drawn the rail post position, as he did in both the Get Serious and the Van Clief. “I think he’s ready for a good effort.”

Allard also trains Card Trick for C J T Stable. The 5-year-old rallied to finish fifth in the Van Clief.

“He really needed to be castrated, and we castrated him last winter,” Allard explained. “He’s come back, I think, a much better horse. A lot more focused and trying a lot harder. And I think sprinting is probably his game on the turf.”

Bold Diversion and Alder are also expected.

Had to Have Him, Fierce and Strong, Creeds Vision, and Jet Sweep Joe will scratch.

*Fillies and mares clash in Sensible Lady Turf Dash

It could be a family affair at Laurel Park on Saturday, as Witty’s younger half-sister, Somnium, is a strong contender in the Sensible Lady Turf Dash for fillies and mares.

Both Witty and Somnium are out of the remarkable Congrats mare Zeezee Zoomzoom, who won her maiden at Saratoga and excelled after retiring from racing.

Zeezee Zoomzoom’s first foal, Caravel, won 15 of 26 starts, including Grade 1 wins over males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and the Jaipur Stakes. Witty was born two years later and has 13 wins and 11 seconds from 37 starts, including nine stakes wins.

Somnium is Zeezee Zoomzoom’s latest success story. A 4-year-old filly by Street Boss, Somnium won a second-level allowance at Laurel on June 12 and then finished a close second in Colonial’s Andy Guest Stakes on August 1.

“She’s game and loves the turf,” Merryman said in the winner’s circle after her victory at Laurel.

Somnium drew the rail in the Sensible Lady Turf Dash and will be reunited with jockey Jevian Toledo.

Mopo, owned by Maury Povich’s Mopo Racing, is Horse Racing Nation’s 3-1 morning-line favorite. Forest Boyce is scheduled to ride.

Trained by Phil Capuano, Mopo won the restricted Jameela Stakes here on June 20, then finished second in Monmouth’s Incredible Revenge Stakes on August 1. Four weeks later, Mopo gamely captured a first-level allowance at Delaware Park.

“She’s always been game,” Capuano said after the Jameela. “Even when she broke her maiden at Pimlico last year, she got passed, but she digs in and finds another gear. She’s tough.”

Mopo is Capuano’s second stakes winner. He hung out his shingle in 2023 after his uncle, Dale Capuano, retired. Dale Capuano, a legendary figure in Maryland racing, won 3,662 races, led all Maryland trainers in annual wins eight times, and notched 31 meet championships at Laurel and Pimlico.

Capuano’s father, Gary Capuano, is no slouch. He trained Captain Bodgit to win the Grade 1 Florida Derby and the Grade 2 Wood Memorial as a 3-year-old, then finished second by a head in the Kentucky Derby and third by a head in the Preakness Stakes.

James Chicklos’ Gerrards Cross, a 3-year-old filly by Midshipman, trained by Kathleen O’Connell, faces older rivals for the first time on Saturday but seems fast enough to control the early pace.

A multiple stakes-winner on turf at Monmouth, Gerrards Cross is no stranger to Laurel, finishing a close second in the Stormy Blues Stakes here on June 14. In her most recent start, Gerrards Cross placed third in Saratoga’s Galway Stakes. Jeiron Barbosa rides Gerrards Cross in the Sensible Lady Turf Dash.

Vicente Stella Stables’ Le Amazonia has hit the board in 12 of 15 starts and exits a third-place finish in Saratoga’s Smart N Fancy Stakes on August 14. Conditioned in South Florida by Victor Barboza Jr., Le Amazonia won her only previous start at six furlongs, her debut on dirt in 2024. Jaime Rodriguez rides Le Amazonia.

Casse’s entrant, Minty, drew in from the Also Eligible list. Owned by Gary Barber, the versatile 4-year-old filly rallied from off the pace to win a second-level allowance at Colonial on July 24.

“She’s come along,” Casse said. “We’ve taken our time with her, and it’s paid off. She’s a hard-trying filly.”

Clement entered Les Reys, a Grade 3 winner on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface in 2025. Les Reys finished fourth in last month’s Incredible Revenge Stakes.

Multiple stakes-placed Gift of Gab, stakes-placed Obstreperous, Secure’s Hope, and Come to Mama are likely starters.

Quiet Confidence, Cougar Cocktail, and Mystic Realm remain on the Also Eligible list.

Capturing and Wisconsin Gal are expected to scratch.

The post Victory Achieved Seeks Stakes Glory in Laurel Dash first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

LAUREL, MD—Live racing returns to Laurel Park on Friday, September 11, marking the opening day of the 2026 Fall Meet.

The 49-day meet runs Friday through Sunday, concluding on December 27. Gates open at 11 am ET, with first post at 12 pm ET.

Laurel Park will close on Friday, December 25, Christmas Day, but will race on Thursday, November 26. The first post time for the special Thanksgiving Day program is 11:25 am ET.

Laurel Park is honored to host a special First Responders Day on Saturday, September 12, to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a meaningful afternoon of remembrance, gratitude, and community. Together, we will honor the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and thank the local heroes who continue to serve our communities every day.

Guests will receive a commemorative pin while supplies last. A special tribute to first responders will be held in the winner’s circle at approximately 2 pm ET.

Several Laurel Park employees were directly affected by the events of September 11, 2001, including Jeffrey Kreimer, the Director of Health and Safety for the Maryland Jockey Club.

As I reflect on September 11th, I remember the beautiful, sunny, clear day with a few high clouds and blue skies. I remember exactly what I was doing. Like my parents remembered President Kennedy’s assassination, and my grandparents remembered Pearl Harbor. I was due to work the night shift at the fire station near the US Social Security headquarters and the US Healthcare and Finance in Woodlawn, MD.

I was working with my father at his construction company for a few hours. I was listening to the radio when I heard breaking news that a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. I wondered how a plane could hit the tower on such a beautiful day. I thought it was a small plane on a tourist flight over the city.

When I heard it struck around the 80th floor, my thoughts turned to the FDNY firefighters who had to work their butts off to get the equipment up that high and to evacuate the walking and the injured, not knowing this would be their last rescue. I kept listening to the radio.

Then, the news reporter, with obvious stress in his voice, announced that a second plane hit the second tower. I stopped working and knew the world had changed forever.

We all stopped working. My phone blew up with calls from my coworkers, and we reported to work early. The towers fell, and I could not imagine the human loss.

We rode the train to attend several funerals of FDNY brothers at St Patrick’s Cathedral and visited “the pile”. While going to attend one funeral, we visited the site, and they found a “brother,” and the work stopped. We stood at attention while they took the remains, covered in a flag, to an FDNY ambulance. This memory, I will never forget.

I remember President Bush’s speech on the pile, and I felt proud to be an American. I honor those who “gave all” to protect our freedom and way of life and to keep this from occurring again.

Following the 9/11 winner’s circle presentation, Laurel Park hosts two $100,000 stakes races as part of Saturday’s nine-race program. The Sensible Lady Turf Dash drew an overflow field of 15 fillies and mares, while the Laurel Dash attracted twelve entrants, including two on the Also Eligible list. Both stakes races are run six furlongs on the Fort Marcy turf course.

Featured events during the fall meet include:

Family Day (Sunday, September 20)

Autumn Handicapping Challenge (Saturday, September 26)

Craft Beer Festival (Saturday, September 26)

Oyster Fest (Saturday, October 3)

Cigars and Bourbon On The Rail (Saturday, October 17)

Jim McKay Maryland Million (Saturday, October 24; special first post time is 11:15 am ET).

Maryland Million Handicapping Challenge (Saturday, October 24)

Breeders’ Cup Watch Party (Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31)

Veterans Day at Laurel Park (Saturday, November 7)

Hat Giveaway (Saturday, November 21)

Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway (Thursday, November 26)

TMJC/MTHA Toy Drive and Calendar Giveaway (Saturday, December 5)

Breakfast With Santa (Saturday, December 12)

Laurel Park also hosts Bubbly Brunch Sundays each week throughout the Fall Meet.

For more information about Laurel Park events, please visit here.

For Laurel Park’s stakes schedule, please visit here.

The post Live Racing Returns to Laurel Park on Friday first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

The barn was bustling with morning activity.

Horses were in the round pen and on the bath mats. Some were cooling out after morning workouts while riders came and went. Amid the hustle, Luis Figueroa, trainer Suzanne Stettinius’s right-hand man, stood quietly, offering a welcoming wave.

As we chatted, Figueroa waved a sponge under the neck of a glistening athlete, cleaning the horse and preparing him for the rest of the day

“I’ve worked for Suzanne for about five years now. I started hotwalking for her, and I consider myself a really good groom now.”

He smiled. “She might consider me more of a barn manager.”

Between soap bubbles, Luis discussed his entry into the racing industry.

“I actually started in the grandstand for ten years,” he explained. “I’m still working with CFG Bank and The Beadle Group on private contracts. I started hotwalking for [assistant trainer] Tana Aubrey, and with [trainer] Mike Trombetta’s encouragement, I took the Groom Elite program. I finished with great scores and figured I’d give the horses another try.”

Luis has worked for a few different outfits in Maryland, from the hill to the tents at Laurel Park to the barns at the old Pimlico Race Course, learning the trade along the way.

“I come from a big family. Six brothers and sisters. I’m right in the middle. I was raised locally in Silver Spring. My one brother works in the grandstand.”

As we walked along, Luis began filling hay nets, and I marveled at his versatility and relaxed demeanor. He handled barn duties, from exercise rider check-ins to horse care, even painting the beautiful tack boxes and saddle racks.

Luis has immersed himself in racing, using his mind and hospitality skills to meet the needs of the horses and the people around him.

Figueroa credits Stettinius for his progression. “I’m good where I am,” he said. “Maybe I’ll own a horse at some point. Suzanne has given me chances and the opportunity to improve. She knows she can trust me, and I can carry on with no real issues. I really take it day by day. I’m always willing to learn and move up in the game.”

Petting the horse in the stall next to him, he looked over and said with a heartfelt smile.

“Sometimes these animals can be better than humans.”

About the Author:
As a jockey, Emily Fewster rode winners at Colonial Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, Laurel Park, Meadowlands, Pimlico, Timonium, and Yavapai Downs. She actively supports Thoroughbred Aftercare and OTTB promotion. She now works as an equine appraiser, an exercise rider at Laurel Park, and contributes to TMJC broadcasts as a handicapper and paddock analyst.

The post Catching Up: Luis Figueroa first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — At a press conference in Annapolis today, Governor Wes Moore, The Maryland Jockey Club, and NBC Sports announced several updates to the 2027 Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the historic Triple Crown, a term coined in 1930.

The 152nd Preakness Stakes will be run at Pimlico Race Course on Sunday, May 23, eight days after the traditional third Saturday in May date. To enhance the weeklong festivities in Baltimore, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes card, usually held on Friday, Preakness Eve, will be moved to Saturday, May 22.

The Preakness Stakes program, the highlight of the special racing weekend, will conclude the festival on Sunday.

“Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

Knauf continued. “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness. We are going to build a championship weekend in Baltimore, with the Black-Eyed Susan now on Saturday. In most years, this new date falls on Memorial Day weekend, and we believe this creates tremendous excitement for our local economy and businesses. Baltimore will become the place to be on Memorial Day weekends, as the spotlight of the racing world descends on Pimlico.”

The Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media rights agreement with NBC Sports for the Preakness, ensuring the race will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock through 2032. The Maryland Jockey Club, founded in 1743, is the oldest sports association in the United States

“We have successfully secured the future of Preakness here in the state of Maryland for decades to come; and I am delighted that the Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media partnership with NBC and Peacock as we enter this exciting new era,” said Gov. Moore.

“The continuation of this relationship and the new schedule ensures optimal and accessible coverage for everyone from horse racing experts to casual fans, as our administration continues making historic investments and leveraging the iconic race as a cornerstone of Maryland’s history, culture and economy.”

The ongoing partnership between NBC Sports and the Maryland Jockey Club, established in 2001, will make NBC the longest-standing broadcaster of the Preakness Stakes.

“We are excited to continue our relationship as the media home of the Preakness Stakes, and look forward to an enhanced schedule, showcasing Maryland’s best races on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships, NBC Sports. “This extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports and underscores our commitment to horse racing.”

The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Preakness Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and extensive Preakness weekend programming, all presented on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

Inaugurated in 1873, the Preakness is not only one of America’s great sporting events and part of the prestigious Triple Crown series of races but also an iconic cultural tradition in Maryland and among racing fans worldwide.

“Bringing the Derby winner to the Preakness is unlike anything else in racing,” said trainer Graham Motion. “I was lucky enough to experience it with Animal Kingdom. The energy is incredible, and it feels like the whole crowd is behind you. It’s a moment every trainer dreams of.”

In a Monday post on X, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said, “The greatest achievement in racing will always be winning the Triple Crown – The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown has sustained our sport for more than 150 years, and it will continue to do so for another 150 years or more if we appreciate and care for it. The Preakness is integral to racing’s history, present, and future, and I hope nothing detracts from its significance.”

The post The Maryland Jockey Club Announces Changes to 2027 Preakness Week first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

“The Preakness Stakes is a cornerstone of Maryland’s history, culture, and economy– so our administration is dedicated to preserving our state as a key power player in the Triple Crown for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “With this final acquisition we are not only leveraging the Preakness’s iconic status and uplifting our horse racing industry, we are revitalizing the communities that directly benefit from the economic opportunities of the race.”

The Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) issued notes to finance the acquisition. No General Fund tax dollars are being expended to acquire the IP rights.

“MEDCO is proud to have had the opportunity to conceive and execute a financial transaction that secures ownership of the Preakness and Black-eyed Susan IP and cements the success of horse racing in Maryland for generations to come,” said Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) Chief Executive Officer Tom Sadowski.

Through this acquisition, the State of Maryland secured ownership of the valuable IP rights, ensuring that the Preakness will call Baltimore and Maryland home well into the future and the State will remain in firm control of Maryland’s multi-billion dollar equine industry. With the acquisition of the IP rights, the State of Maryland now possesses sole ownership of the vital assets that drive its horseracing sector– with Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park under control of the Maryland Stadium Authority and day-to-day horseracing being overseen by The Maryland Jockey Club, a not-for-profit organization established by state law.

“We thank Governor Moore for his leadership on this acquisition and look forward to executing the State’s vision for a world-class Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan event next year at the new Pimlico,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of The Maryland Jockey Club. “With all assets now residing with the State, we will work closely with the Maryland, Baltimore and Park Heights business communities to showcase the Preakness on the national stage.”

This acquisition is a strategic move to ensure the Preakness Stakes remains a world-class event, managed in the best interest of Maryland’s racing community and taxpayers. By owning the IP, the State will no longer be subject to the disadvantageous fee structure of the existing exclusive licensing agreement, which would have escalated costs for the State over time. Instead, the State will operate under a model that prioritizes industry health and community benefit, consistent with the nonprofit model adopted by the Maryland Jockey Club.

The State remains committed to growing the Preakness and enhancing its status as a premier event in the Triple Crown. The Maryland Jockey Club has already secured partnerships with best-in-class industry leaders, including Oak View Group for sponsorship growth and KO Productions for world-class event production. While the State will now own the IP, it remains open to identifying areas of mutual interest with Churchill Downs and other industry partners to benefit the broader Triple Crown and the sport of horseracing.

In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to redevelop the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The new facility will support over 500 jobs, and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually. As the centerpiece of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry—which sustains more than 28,000 jobs and has generated approximately $3 billion in economic impact—the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights, surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.

The State of Maryland has also prioritized investments in Park Heights through the ENOUGH Initiative, which has provided nearly $3 million to revitalization efforts led by Park Heights Renaissance. One of 27 ENOUGH communities, Park Heights is implementing evidence-backed initiatives to improve the wellbeing of young people, including revitalizing vacant homes, addressing food insecurity for residents, and strengthening educational resources for parents.

The post Governor Moore Announces Maryland Fully Owns Preakness Intellectual Property Rights After Final Acquisition first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

LAUREL, MD—Striker Has Dial’s gate-to-wire victory in the Skipat Stakes highlighted Horacio De Paz’s Preakness meet at Laurel Park, where he won 5 of 26 starts. His runners finished in the top three 61% of the time.

De Paz, who maintains a string of 35 horses at Laurel and keeps a base in New York, used that momentum to launch a successful Saratoga summer, winning with 6 of his first 16 runners at the prestigious boutique track.

De Paz lit up the Saratoga toteboard with a pair of juvenile debut winners, both bred in New York. B Yutiful Carly, a filly by Greatest Honour owned by Triple B Stables, rallied from off the pace to win a restricted maiden special weight race at 35-1 odds on July 11.

The following afternoon, De Paz scored at 18-1 with Professor Plum, a colt by Solomini owned in partnership with John Foster and Dennis O’Neill.

“I figured they were ready to get started. As far as talent went, I wasn’t sure where we were. We were just trying to get them to their first race and develop from there. Mentally, they seemed fine, but you never know when you come up to Saratoga. We never really laid them down or worked them with older horses. They did everything perfectly to the point where they were just ready to get started.”

After Pimlico Race Course is rebuilt, Laurel Park will become the state’s main Thoroughbred training center. Both B Yutiful Carly and Professor Plum prepared for their winning debuts at Laurel Park.

“We always thought Laurel was a good surface to develop horses,” said De Paz, who credits “the space and a little bit of economics” for training at Laurel. “It’s a nice quiet setting. It’s not as busy as it is at Belmont.”

De Paz masterfully conditioned Striker Has Dial to win the Skipat after almost eight months on the sidelines. The 5-year-old Dialed In mare finished second in the 2025 Skipat and trained at Laurel upon returning to the races this year.

“I was originally targeting an allowance race at Laurel, and that was going to be a prep for the Skipat Stakes.”

De Paz has kept a string of horses at Laurel since his days as a private trainer for Sagamore Farm.

“I like the surface there,” De Paz continued. “It’s a 1 1/8-mile racetrack. It’s a wide racetrack. It’s an essential location to get to Kentucky, and you can also get to New York. If certain races don’t go, you’re able to move them around.”

*Brittany and Sheldon Russell win Grade 2 Honorable Miss with Maida

Continuing the theme of Laurel-based horses enjoying prosperity at Saratoga, Maida blitzed the field in the Grade 2, $250,000 Honorable Miss Stakes on July 26, while Striker Has Dial finished a solid fourth.

Trained by Brittany Russell, Maryland’s perennial leading trainer, and ridden by her husband, Sheldon, Maida has been based at Laurel Park since before her career debut at Pimlico last year.

A 4-year-old filly by Improbable, Maida, owned by Harry Papaleo, is unbeaten in three Laurel starts, winning those races by a combined margin of 28 lengths.

She earned her first stakes victory at Laurel last summer, dominating the $100,000 Weather Vane Stakes by eight lengths.

Maida returned from a layoff to win the $125,000 Alma North Stakes at Laurel on June 27, earning a career-best 101 Beyer Speed Figure. She received a 98 Beyer in the Honorable Miss.

The post Laurel-Based De Paz Strikes at Spa first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.

Most days early in the week, you can look up at the half-mile pole at Laurel Park, where Tana Aubrey, the assistant to trainer Michael Trombetta, sits in a chair, keeping an ever-watchful eye.

If you don’t see her, you can listen for her voice during a loose horse or track emergency. From her vantage point, she’s often heard keeping the riders safe, calling out where they need to go and what they need to do to stay out of harm’s way.

Walking up the hill, I was greeted with a smile and a wave, despite it being the busiest time of the year and in the middle of training hours.

After catching up for a moment, I asked about Tana’s early days at the racetrack.

“My first job was walking at Pimlico for Charlie Lewis with a work permit,” she said. “I was only 15. My dad owned a couple of horses, and my uncle trained. I really liked horses when I was younger. I had a pony, did 4-H, and all the pony things.”

Between training sets, Tana also shared that she “groomed for Franny Campitelli, starting on the pony. I also worked for Joe Devereux at times, even going to California for him.”

After leaving California, she returned to Maryland. “When I got back, I spent some time working for Ann Merryman before starting here.”

I asked what it was like to work with Team Trombetta.

“I think I’ve been here now 27 years,” she said. “The stable wasn’t that big when I started. I don’t think Mike was even training full time yet. The barn started growing, started expanding slowly. It really started with only 8 to 15 horses.”

Her smile widened. “After Sweetnorthernsaint [second in the 2006 Preakness Stakes], things really started expanding. 2007 was our first Saratoga meet. There were only 10 or 12 horses. It was fun and a different atmosphere.”

I asked about her long-time position as assistant trainer. I found it very interesting to learn that Tana didn’t have strong aspirations to become an assistant. “It was like I gradually just fell into the official assistant job.”

She raised her hands a little. “I was doing a lot of those things anyway,” she said with a laugh. “There’s so much that goes into being an assistant, including all kinds of horse and people management, and other things like matching horses and people in sets. It’s also about managing and shipping the runners. It’s a lot of horse care and a lot of people care. Mike told me once early on that you can’t micromanage. You have to pick your battles, or you will drive yourself crazy. A lot of the help has been here a long time. They make it easier when they become a team.”

A lot of effort goes into finishing the day’s training.

“I think sometimes women and women’s intuition help,” she admitted. “It’s that strong insight, and women are just more detail-oriented. It’s like matching riders to horses, and what a difference that can make. It is so satisfying to see horses succeed and to notice the little details and changes that make it work. I have given up on watching the clock, unless I have to be somewhere. I just keep going and get things finished.” She smiled. “I like walking around when everything’s quiet and just watching the horses. You can really tell a lot when they are relaxed and just standing in their stalls.”

Gazing across the racetrack, Tana said quietly, “Hopefully, we can find a strong group for the next generation. It’s a lot of work. It’s cool. The world has opened up a lot. There weren’t very many women when I started, but there are a lot more now.”

About the Author:
As a jockey, Emily Fewster rode winners at Colonial Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, Laurel Park, Meadowlands, Pimlico, Timonium, and Yavapai Downs. She is an active supporter of Thoroughbred Aftercare and OTTB promotion. She now works as an equine appraiser, an exercise rider at Laurel Park, and contributes to TMJC broadcasts as a handicapper and paddock analyst.

The post Catching Up: Tana Aubrey first appeared on Maryland Jockey Club.