Steve Henson, 68, is having more fun these days than most kids half his age.
Currently the leading trainer at Hastings Racecourse, Henson has been part of the scene coming up 50 years. He loves what he does making a modest living and more importantly loves the people he works with seven days a week.
“I grew up five blocks from the track,” Henson says. “My mom and dad would take me to the races and I was in awe seeing the horses run. I still am. They’re like little children. They have quirks and bad habits and we are like parents. These animals are very competitive. They just want to be in front all the time.”
After 14 race days and 62 starts on the 2024 racing calendar, Henson has a comfortable lead in the Hastings trainer standings with 19 wins. One of those victories was by We B Three in the inaugural Stakes of the season, the $50,000 Emerald Downs on June 8.
“It’s pretty basic stuff,” Henson suggests. “We have a phenomenal crew starting with my son Robbie. He’s my backbone, a total breath of fresh air. Some of our team in the backstretch have been with us for 30 years. We were the first to be active for training on the track the last two weeks of January and haven’t let up.”
Henson has been training for Dairen Edwards, owner of Willow Creek Farms, the past five years and says each year “gets better and better” because of the great working relationship they share. “We talk every few days and it helps that Dairen lets me do things my way,” Henson grins.
The Henson name appears frequently throughout the Official Racing Program at Hastings. When 5-year-old Barney Google ran in a claiming race on June 8 under trainer Robbie Henson, the owners were listed as Michelle Roberts-Henson, Brad Henson, Randy Henson and Dan Henson, as well as non-family member Trevor Irwin.
Steve joyfully shared the Henson owners this way: “Michelle, Robbie’s wife; Brad, my nephew; Randy, my brother, Dan my nephew.” On occasion, the name Lori Henson appears as a co-owner along with Helen Klimes. Steve proudly points out: “That’s my wife, my best friend.”
It’s a happy clan. And none is happier than the leader of the pack.
Learie Seecharan Wins First Stakes Race
by Bailey Williams
The ultimate reward is to always have a safe ride and return to the unsaddling area safely as one. However, as an elite athlete, the weight of defeat is constantly lingering in the back of a jockey’s mind.
When Settecento an upset winner of June 8th, George Royal Stakes crossed the finish line half a length ahead of eight other competitors he was a part of giving Learie Seecharan his first win of the season and more noteworthy his very first stakes victory. Many would argue he was being rewarded for his infection positivity and dedication to his craft.
Since coming to Canada Learie has been a big factor in the Dave Milburn barn being one of his main morning exercise riders and using that bond in afternoon racing. The loyalty shared between Milburn and Seecharan made the Georgy Royal victory even more special.
Though very quiet in his post race interview the emotion, gratitude and overall relief of getting the first win of 2024 was felt by all listening to the deserving team of Settecento.
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