A 2005 graduate of the Olds College Groom School program, Gregory, who hails from Strathmore, a town of around 12,000 people located 40 kilometres east of Calgary, might be best known for being a trainer.
But she’s more than just that. Much more, in fact.
“I guess you could say I’m still just like that little girl who loves horses,” says Gregory with a laugh. “To be involved with horses and in thoroughbred racing in a lot of different ways, is a true joy for me. It’s hard work, but that’s fine with me. I love what I do.”
Gregory, who grew up on a farm, has been involved in the breeding industry, as well as foaling out her own mares, for several years. She also provides bloodstock services and assists people in making breeding decisions and sale purchases.
But it’s not all work and no play for the Northlands Park-based conditioner.
She is also an active member of the HRA Backstretch Foundation, which provides assistance to backstretch members in need and hosts fun events throughout the year.
“It’s not only something that brings people together to have a good time and a few laughs, it’s also very rewarding in being able to help people that are truly in need. There are a lot of demands in the sport and there can be frustrating times, but this is something where we can work together and lend a helping hand to others.”
Gregory is equally dedicated when it comes to her career.
With a dozen horses in her barn, she has a smaller operation than most of her fellow trainers at Northlands. But, Gregory has managed to keep pace, winning 14 races from 85 starters in 2013, along with over $140,000 in purse earnings.
It was Aces Again, a son of Ghostzapper, who delivered Gregory her first stakes score, the victory coming last October in the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate Handicap.
“I always set goals each year and winning my first stake was on there,” she notes. “Every year, I always try to better my numbers, even if it’s just by a small amount. But, obviously, seeing a horse you developed go on to win and watching the reaction of everyone when they come back to the winner’s circle is always special.”
Which is precisely how Gregory regards the horses that populate her barn.
“Every horse is special to me,” she says. “I still groom them. I did that for six years before I got into the training side. Even if I had a stable of 100 horses, I’d still want to groom as many as I could. I love having that bond, working with all different types of personalities.”
A lifelong fan of thoroughbred racing, one of Gregory’s fondest pursuits is engaging fans, those who have followed the sport for years, or those who are relatively new to the scene, through social media.
“I love promoting the sport, doing what I can to get people to come out to the races, or to consider joining the ownership ranks,” says Gregory, who has her own website, amandagregory.ca. “I love getting people involved through Twitter (@dapplehorse) and then finding out they’ve come out to the track and really enjoyed themselves.”
Although she’s trained for less than five years, it hasn’t stopped Gregory from thinking big when it comes to some of her goals.
“I’d love to win the Canadian Derby one day, that’s definitely on the list,” she offers. “You have to be very dedicated to succeed, but those good times you experience make it all worthwhile.”
