She Heroes

“Debbie Finley’s philanthropy and quick action to help anyone in need is well documented.  That natural instinct to move to support is really a gift that few have.  Her faith and commitment to family sets an example to be admired and followed.  It provides great comfort to those of us who are close to her, knowing that she is only a phone call away. What I’d like to recognize is the role she has played in helping make West Point Thoroughbreds the company it is today. Read More →

“Anne can be summed up in a very few words.  Caring of the industry, strict attention to detail, extremely organized, still acts like a groupie when she is near a horse that she likes, and most of all extraordinarily dedicated to working in and look for any way she can improve the industry. In spite of a limited budget, she makes the BloodHorse shine with images from a strong group of freelancers that take her direction very seriously while not restraining their creativity. She isRead More →

“It was June 1978 when I was dropped off at Delaware Park to work for Eddie and Linda Gaudet as a hot walker.  Eddie had trained a horse that my family bred named ‘Tons’ and won the NY Breeders futurity. I had years of farm experience but little racetrack experience. Needless to say it was a summer of learning and experiences that need not be detailed here.   Linda took me, a 17 year old Jewish kid from New York, under her wing. I secretlyRead More →

“Allison would not describe herself as a ‘feminist’ nor a ‘pioneer for women,’ yet she was one of the first female racing secretaries in the world. The position of Racing Secretary is the chief executive of the racing office. Some of the most important tasks include writing races that attract full fields while also enticing bettors in order to generate handle. The needs and desires of trainers who need certain conditions must also be met. The racing secretary must also work with track management toRead More →

JENA ANTONUCCI was initially introduced into the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines as a child. She would later be exposed to the back-side of New York Thoroughbred racing by her grandparents, avid New York owners. Jena spent many of her formative years retraining and developing off-the-track Thoroughbreds for their second careers. This experience motivated her to learn what is required to more effectively achieve this goal. She moved to Ocala, FL in 2000 and began breaking and training under the D. Wayne Lukas program atRead More →

Along with her husband, trainer Dallas Keen, Donna Keen founded Remember Me Rescue in 2004. The non-profit 501(c)3 organization is Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited and “was formed by racehorse trainers and volunteers to assist retired and injured racehorses after their careers at the track are over.”  Donna is easily recognizable in the mornings at Santa Anita and Del Mar on her snow-white Quarter Horse stable pony known as “Bridleless Wyatt.” A lifelong horsewoman, she credits horses with giving her life focus and direction and developingRead More →

“Emma’s ride aboard Mike Fox in the 2007 Queens Plate was an example of sheer willpower, determination and talent. Those are the qualities that make Emma  the rider that she is.”           Mike Luider – Agent to Emma-Jayne Wilson “Emma’s hard work and dedication to her career is to be admired and respected.”           Catherine Day Phillips – Trainer “Emma-Jayne is all in.  Her chosen job as a jockey is mentally and physically demanding, and the risk of being injured is ever-present and real. Her inner strengthRead More →

Last week in Saratoga Springs, Staci Hancock was honored by Equine Advocates with their humanitarian Safe Home Equine Protection Award. The co-founder and managing member of WHOA (Water Hay Oats Alliance) is the owner, with her husband Arthur B. Hancock III, of Stone Farm in Paris, Kentucky. “Over the last 30 years, I have witnessed growing ranks of ‘equine advocates’ spread across America with their focus on welfare issues: slaughter, rescue, rehoming, second careers and medication concerns. In 2019, equine welfare is front and centerRead More →

Former jockey, current outrider and recent newsmaker KAYMARIE KREIDEL is this week’s very deserving SheHero. Kaymarie made headlines at Pimlico Race Course with her spectacular catch of Bodexpress, who had catapulted rider John Velazquez at the start of the 144th Preakness Stakes. While she handled her instant celebrity with humility and grace, Kaymarie is no stranger to the Mid-Atlantic racing community. With over 2,529 career starts, 190 wins and over $3 million in earnings, Kaymarie rode races from 1991 – 2006. She still gallops horsesRead More →

“One thing you will notice about Elisabeth (or Liz as her friends call her) is that she is a lover of all creatures big and small. Horses however hold a special place in her heart. She started in pony club at a young age which allowed her to be well diversified across the various disciplines; eventing, western, hunters, horsemanship, education. She eventually ended up racing where she worked for top trainers like Todd Pletcher, Arnaud Delacour, and currently with Graham Motion. Elisabeth is the epitomeRead More →