Article by: Chris Lomon
Photo by: Michael Burns Photography
Nick J. Gonzalez is hoping the best is yet to come.
An up-and-coming trainer who burst onto the Fort Erie racing scene in 2013, Gonzalez enjoyed his best season – purse earnings-wise – last year.
And while the Fort Erie, Ontario-based conditioner is looking to add some more victories to his résumé, he’s also working to encourage others to get involved in horse racing.
“It’s a great sport that has something for everyone,” said Gonzalez, who saddled Two Brews to Go (owned by his wife, Tish) to victories in both the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Andy Passero Memorial Cup Stakes at Fort Erie. “Whether you’re a fan, trainer, owner – racing is one of the most exciting sports out there.
“The sights and sounds, plus all of the action, it’s just such a compelling scene every time you come to the racetrack. It doesn’t take you long to fall in love with it all.”
Gonzalez would certainly know.
After a nine-win rookie campaign, the conditioner has gone on to add 14 more victories, and is closing in on $300,000 in career purse earnings.
As for his dream triumph, Gonzalez relishes the thought of winning one of the most prestigious thoroughbred races in the world.
“I would love to win the Arc with a horse that has never raced going clockwise. Odd and specific, I really love training turf horses and am a firm believer a horse can run both directions.”
Just what you might expect to hear from a horseman whose career is undoubtedly headed in the right direction.
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