Tag: People

Kathleen O'Connell only learned a few months ago she was approaching a spot in the Thoroughbred record books.

O'Connell, who started her own racing stable in 1981, may soon pass Kim Hammond as the leading female trainer in North America by victories. The conditioner known to employees, friends, rivals and fans as “K.O.” has sent out 2,381 winners, four fewer than Hammond.

Gai Waterhouse of Australia is acknowledged as the planet's No. 1 all-time woman trainer in victories with more than 7,000, according to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

O'Connell is 11-for-88 in 2023 while racing between Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream. Hammond, based at Turfway Park, has not won from 15 starts this year. Those numbers suggest it is likely just a matter of time before O'Connell takes over the No. 1 spot in the Northern Hemisphere. Which was even further away from her mind than the land down under when she started in the business.

“It will be a celebration whether it's a little time, or a long time,” O'Connell said. “Records are always broken. I just think it's an accomplishment, more than a record. It's an accomplishment.”

It's not a cliché to say O'Connell has poured body and soul into her career.

“I've always been the type of person whether I played basketball or ran track, no matter what I did, it was always overboard, 110 percent. I don't know how to do things any other way,” she said. “That is what, I guess, intensifies my business, because I don't have a family and I don't have a lot of things, so all my energy is channeled this way. And that can be bad and good, but that's just the way it is.”

O'Connell never joined the women's-liberation movement – “I was too busy working!” – but in her chosen field, she made the steps required to advance untold numbers of her sex. After her application to Michigan State University's veterinary school was turned down (she discovered they only admitted two women a year), she attended community college and worked for a photo developing company, but the siren of the racetrack proved too alluring to ignore.

O'Connell's second racetrack license, issued at Detroit Race Course in the early 1970s, listed her occupation as “Pony Boy.” Talk about feeling like an outsider.

“There was no such category as girl, no box to check. There was no 'exercise girl,' no 'pony girls,' ” she said wryly.

But the horses she got on didn't discriminate, and she knew she had found her niche. After spending the 1975 season at Fair Grounds in New Orleans with trainer William R. Harp, she arrived at Tampa Bay Downs in 1976 and has been here every season since.

What a legacy she has established.

She has twice been leading trainer at Tampa (tying Jamie Ness for the 2009-2010 title) and was the first woman to win a training title at Calder in Miami, also in 2009-2010. She finished second here last year with 30 winners to Gerald Bennett.

Her graded-stakes winners include Blazing Sword, who won three graded events from 1997-2000; Ivanavinalot; Fly by Phil; Stormy Embrace, winner of the Grade 2 Princess Rooney Stakes in 2018 and 2019; Well Defined, who won the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes here in 2019; and, perhaps most memorably, Watch Me Go, a 43-1 upset winner of the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby in 2011.

Watch Me Go, owned by her long-time clients Gilbert Campbell and his wife Marilyn, took O'Connell to the Kentucky Derby. Mr. Campbell passed away a year-and-a-half ago at 91, but O'Connell still trains for Mrs. Campbell's Stonehedge Farm South, a relationship of more than 30 years duration.

Another outstanding O'Connell-trained horse was the speedy turf filly Lady Shipman, who finished second by a neck in the 2015 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland as a 3-year-old after winning six stakes that year and setting two course records. There were many others, certainly.

O'Connell still trains about 60 horses between Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream, a task that would be impossible without her stable of about three dozen employees split between the tracks.

“It's not just about me, it's about all the people who work for me. It's been a huge team effort,” she said. “And it's about the owners who trust you to run their horses in the correct spots.”

She has always treated each horse as an individual, gotten to know their likes and dislikes and their quirks and styles.

“They are all individuals, and that is how they have to be treated. What works for one is not going to work for another. It takes a lot of reading your horse, seeing how they act. It's just like with kids – sometimes their coaches push them, and sometimes they push themselves. It's knowing how much gate work to do with them, how intense to get with it and when to back off. You watch if they are scared about the gate, if they are in the feed tub, whether they are acting OK on the track.

“You try to get them to want to train, to want to be out of their stall and be able to enjoy it.”

O'Connell has loved it so much for so long that she never really wondered where the hours went on a daily basis, but she is mystified by how the years flew by so quickly. Sometimes, her body reminds her that her career has transpired in real time, and that nothing lasts forever.

For now, though, retirement is not on her radar screen. What she does has value to her owners, breeders, her employees, jockeys and the fans. And to the teenage kid who always did everything to the best of her ability.

“I think I'll know when it's time, because as much as I love the business and love the horses, things are changing a lot, and I'm not so sure for the better,” she said. “When I can't do what I know is best to protect my horses, which also protects my owners and my help, then it is time for me to use the 'R' word (retirement).”

Until then, take comfort in seeing K.O. atop her pony on a misty morning, and striding into the winner's circle several hours later spreading cheer with her smile.

“I don't gallop any more, but I do enjoy the closeness of the training as far as being on the ponies. I do enjoy riding to see the condition of the track myself,” she said.

“You have got to look forward. That is all you can do, just keep looking forward.”

The post Kathleen O’Connell Nearing Milestone She Really Never Saw Coming appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Michael Dickinson has spent his life deeply involved in the horse industry, first as a steeplechase jockey and trainer, as a Thoroughbred trainer, and most recently as an innovator of racetrack surfaces. Over the past two decades, Dickinson has developed and refined Tapeta Footings, an all-weather synthetic material designed to improve safety for both equine and human athletes.

In recognition of his innovations to improve the safety of horse racing, the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program has named Dickinson the 33rd recipient of the John W. Galbreath Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship in the Equine Industry.

“I am honored and flattered to receive the Galbreath Award,” Dickinson said. “The safety of the horse has always been a long-term goal of mine ever since I was a child when on small ponies I had to keep up with my mother who was on a Grade A International Showjumper. We used to jump post and rail fences, some with ditches and drops, and stone walls. Since then, I've always felt very grateful and indebted to all the horses I rode.”

A native of Yorkshire, England, Dickinson was a champion steeplechase jockey and trainer prior to becoming a successful Thoroughbred trainer in the United Kingdom. Since coming to the U.S. in 1987, he has won more than 80 stakes races in the U.S. and Canada. In 2000, he led all New York-based trainers with a win percentage of 35% from starters. One of his greatest achievements in training was conditioning 1996 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Da Hoss to a repeat win in that race's 1998 renewal at Churchill Downs after a two-year layoff.

Dickinson is a member of the Steeplechasing Hall of Fame and has four listings in the Guinness Book of World Records, including the record for the most racing wins in one day – 12.

In 1996, Dickinson began building his own Thoroughbred training facility, Tapeta Farm, in Maryland, employing the most innovative technology in equine care and horse husbandry. Unsatisfied with available track footings, he began developing Tapeta Footings, now recognized as a safe, consistent all-weather synthetic surface for racing and training Thoroughbred horses.

“The focus on safety for its equine and human athletes is paramount in horse racing today,” said Michele Fischer, president of horse racing and gaming consulting firm Darting Star LLC in his nomination. “Michael has demonstrated a willingness to take personal and career risks in the development of a new racing surface. In the beginning, he was met with great reluctance by an industry resistant to change. He has continued to refine the science and today the Tapeta surface has been installed at racetracks and training centers across the world.”

Tapeta 10, the latest version of Tapeta Footings, has substantially reduced equine fatalities and outperformed conventional dirt and turf surfaces. Tapeta surface has been installed at Turfway Park in Kentucky and at Gulfstream Park in Florida, Golden Gate Fields in California and Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania as well as facilities in Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

“We are excited to present the 2022 Galbreath Award to Michael Dickinson for his contribution to the sport of racing through the creation of Tapeta and synthetic track surfaces,” said K. Amy Lawyer, assistant professor and chair of UofL's Department of Equine Administration. “The nature of the Galbreath Award is to recognize innovation and business efforts that move the equine industry forward. Mr. Dickinson's business achievements added a new element to a sport that had been largely unchanged for centuries.”

Recipients of the Galbreath Award are selected by a committee of faculty in the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in the UofL College of Business.

The award is named for the late John W. Galbreath, a self-made man who distinguished himself in both business and as a horseman. The 32nd Galbreath Award recipient was Tom Aronson, an original business architect of two of the most successful companies the history of horse racing, the Television Games Network (TVG) and Exacta Systems, both of which became billion-dollar wagering companies. A list of all Galbreath Award laureates and nomination information is available at the Galbreath Award website.

For information on the award presentation dinner to honor Dickinson to be held March 30, contact Kimberly Spear at kimberly.spear@louisville.edu or 502-852-7727. A video of the presentation of the Galbreath Award will be available on the UofL Equine Industry Program Facebook page after the event.

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The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha Smith, who will be joining the team as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective Monday.

Smith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. A graduate from the University of Kentucky's animal science program, she has 10 years of Thoroughbred industry work experience, including five years of industry marketing and communications with a variety of equine associations, including the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and the Horse Racing Women's Summit.

In her new role, Smith will be responsible for leading and overseeing all marketing initiatives at the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. She will work closely with the executive team, the Communications Committee, and TAA's accredited organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies that align with the company's overall goals and objectives.

“We are excited to have Samantha Smith join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as our Marketing and Communications Director,” said TAA President Jeff Bloom. “As the TAA has grown over the years our demand for professional communications and marketing has expanded. Her wealth of experience in addition to her passion for aftercare will be a great asset to our team.”

Already an advocate for Thoroughbred Aftercare, when not working Smith can be found riding her Godolphin rehomed off-the-track Thoroughbred Superfection, aka “Shaylon.”

“In my professional career I have a keen interest in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, particularly in any area where I can support efforts to promote and grow the sport, educate others, or improve safety, welfare, and aftercare initiatives,” Smith said. “In my personal life, with my own former racehorse, I especially have a passion for Thoroughbred aftercare. I look forward to joining the team at TAA and promoting all the Thoroughbred has to offer after racing.”

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Major milestones in Thoroughbred racing represent so much more than a number. Whether it be 1,000, 2,500, 3,000, 5,000, or the remarkable 10,000th win recently by Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, each recipient has worked tirelessly for the achievement.

Trainer Chris Richard has paid his dues competing in Kentucky, Arkansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and his home state of Louisiana over the past three decades. His long-awaited 1,000th win took place in the seventh race at Delta Downs on Friday with James McIngvale's Freebritney, a 3-year-old filly by Klimt.

Richard began 2023 just four wins short of the milestone. He had 32 starts this year at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, and Delta before reaching the landmark victory.

“It took a while,” Richard said. “Trying to get a milestone is like pulling teeth; you run second and third and wonder if it will ever happen!”

McIngvale purchased the Freebritney at the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale for $27,000. The Houston-based furniture salesman, known as “Mattress Mack” is a nationally recognized supporter of breeding and racing and has played an important role in Richard's career.

Richard shared his full-circle path training for McIngvale.

Richard grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and had friends who raced Quarter Horses at Delta Downs in Vinton. He loved the action and was inspired by the powerful athletes. Education came first with Richard attending Texas A&M in College Station and earning a BA in Animal/Equine Science followed by his Master's in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. He was also a standout bowler and competed on the A&M Bowling team.

When Richard graduated, he moved to Kentucky and took on the role of private trainer for McIngvale.

“My first official win came in 1998 with Albadar for Mack, who also owns the filly who gave me my 1,000th win,” Richard said. “How cool is that?”

Each trainer has the daunting task of figuring out what it takes for each horse to be successful on the racetrack. Freebritney presented her share of challenges.

“She was a little bit ornery,” Richard said. “I had to go slow with her. In her first work out of the gate, she broke well, but stopped abruptly and started spinning like a helicopter. She made one start at Canterbury and I felt she needed some time off. She figured it out at Delta; I've learned
over the years that you have to be patient; have a plan B and sometimes a plan C!”

McIngvale was also the breeder of Richard's top earner, Underpressure, a Louisiana-bred son of Birdstone out of the Charismatic mare Charming Colleen. Richard had an immediate connection with the gelding and purchased him. He became a multiple stakes winner for the Richard barn,
earning $870,992 in 45 starts.

Richard, who turned 50 last year, was an assistant to trainer Tom Amoss for five years. He is grateful to Amoss and a number of owners for their support.

“Stan Cole gave me a great opportunity in Minnesota and I trained for Maggi Moss at Prairie Meadows for eight years,” said Richard.

Native Ruler, a $25,000 claimer for Moss, won nine stakes and retired with earnings of $712, 296. Moss also owned Outta Tune, who captured the 2012 Count Fleet (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

Richard's seven-year tenure at Prairie Meadows was a solid building block for his stable as well as his personal life. That is where he met his future wife, Mallory Greiner, who was attending Iowa State University and had a job working in the Prairie Meadows racing office. They married in 2019 and make their home in Vinton. She devotes countless hours to re-homing the Richard trainees as their racing careers wind down.

“I vet each prospective owner very carefully,” Mallory Richard said. “It's never an easy process, but we believe in making sure our horses have a good home away from the racetrack.”

There's never much time for celebration for horsemen, and Richard was on the road from Delta Downs to Oaklawn Park the morning after winning his 1,000th race.

“It's an amazing feeling,” he said. “I've been very fortunate to have some real nice horses, loyal owners, a great crew, and the support of Mallory. I am very appreciative of this.”

The post ‘How Cool Is That?’: Trainer Richard Comes Full Circle With Owner McIngvale For Milestone Win appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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