Story by: Chris Lomon
Photo (top of page, Two Brews to Go) courtesy of Laurie Langley.
For
Tish Gonzalez, horse racing was – and still very much is – a family affair.
The recollections of her introduction to horses – and the person who introduced her to them – over 25 years ago, are as vivid as ever.
Perhaps the only thing that has changed significantly since that starting point is her appreciation for it all.
“My aunt, Candice Warwick, moved back to Canada from England when I was six years old,” started Gonzalez. “She began training horses at Greenwood and Fort Erie. At that time, she started teaching all about horses and how to ride. I was hooked immediately. I was riding the racehorses on the farm during spring training by the time I was 12.
“I always went to the track with her from the time I could be licensed. When I was 12, it was as a hotwalker, 14, as an exercise rider. I was at the track every weekend, during school vacations, early morning, evenings – every opportunity I had.”
The more Gonzalez was at the track, the more she knew a career in thoroughbred racing was in her future. And it was, admittedly, a pleasing thought every time it crossed her mind.
Fast forward to the present and Gonzalez, along with her husband Nick Gonzalez Jr., are enjoying success – Tish as an owner and Nick as a trainer – at Fort Erie.
Their biggest win as a couple came two years ago with a daughter of Milwaukee Brew bred by Mike Ambler.
Laurie Langley photo.
The toteboard for the Andy Passero Memorial Cup suggested Two Brews To Go, sent on her way at 49-1 (second longest shot in the race) in the 6 ½-furlong stake, had little chance to win.
A neck in front of the stretch call under Bryce Alderson, the dark bay crossed the wire three-quarters of a length in front.
“Nick and I bought her in 2015,” said Gonzalez. “She won the Andy Passero (repeating again in 2016) for us on the same day as our owner and dear friend Nick Costa's mare (English Holiday) won the Molson Cup. That was obviously a very exciting day.”
One made even more special by the presence of a particular trio that was also on-hand to see the victories.
“Nothing beats getting the family amped up before a horse runs,” said Gonzalez, native of Arthur, Ontario, a community of roughly 2,400 people located about 120 kilometres northwest of Toronto. “Our girls are 9, 10, and 12. They help with the horses, get to know them and form bonds with them. They get excited for us when we have horses entered and come to the races to cheer them on.”
Soon enough, they’ll have plenty more opportunities to cheer when Fort Erie’s live racing season gets underway on May 30.
Gonzalez has had opening day circled on her calendar ever since the curtain closed on the 2016 campaign at the border oval.
She’s looking to add to the nine top-three finishes she posted from 19 starts in 2016. Currently, Gonzalez owns four horses of her own, is in partnership on another three, and leases two more.
“The best part is getting a new horse in the barn, whether it’s one of ours or for another owner,” said the 33-year-old. “Then you get to find out that horse’s individual quirks and what makes him or her tick. The excitement of getting that horse ready to run, and watching its transformation – I'll never get tired of that.”
Laurie Langley photo.
While the long hours of racing life can be taxing at times, Gonzalez isn’t complaining.
“Balancing all of the work – I am business partners with my aunt in an Accounting business, I also work as assistant trainer and exercise rider with Nick and we have our three daughters – is a challenge,” she offered. “Finding any time for myself is nearly impossible especially during the racing season. It's funny though. It's hard to think of the horses as "work.” It's not. It’s a passion.”
Which is evident through her connection with each horse that resides in Nick’s barn.
“I work hands-on with all of our horses,” said Gonzalez. “Often I’ll run them myself. And nothing beats race day. This is our ultimate goal, to get the horses safely to the races. Paddocking a horse that I have spent hours working with, riding, grooming, prepping side-by-side with my husband – it's a great feeling. And of course, our daughters are there, cheering us on, too. When the horses step in the gate, all you can think is, ‘Well, we did our job, it's out of our hands now.’ That’s always an exciting feeling.”
A feeling Gonzalez notes, unprompted, she will never tire of.
It’s a thought that comes to mind when she’s away from the racetrack, specifically, during the moments she gets to enjoy one of her favourite hobbies.
“I’ve run in a few half marathons,” said Gonzalez. “Unfortunately, I couldn't find the time last year, but I'd love to get to that level of fitness again. Galloping is great fitness, but to be able to run for two hours straight – that's a powerful feeling.”
So, too is the shared love the Gonzalez clan has for horses and horse racing.
“The kids get fresh air, get to be around animals and have the best smiles in the win photos,” she said. “What's not to love?”
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