There's a reason why it's called a dream season. Everything goes as well as one could dream.
Nick Gallucci knew that Chantilly's 2024 campaign, an undefeated season that garnered Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year honours that also helped propel him to a Trainer of the Year title, would be nearly impossible to replicate. There were Pepsi North America Cup considerations. There were travel considerations. There were bumps along the way that weren't in the path of the sophomore daughter of Big Jim - Shiraz Seelster as a freshman.
Despite those bumps in the road, Chantilly joins a short list of names that captured O'Brien Award divisional honours in back-to-back seasons as two- and three-year-old pacing filly of the year. Standout performers the likes of Town Pro, Hardie Hanover, Elegant Killean, Odies Fame, Precious Delight, American Jewel, I Luv The Nitelife, L A Delight, Scarlett Hanover and Sylvia Hanover. And now, Chantilly.
Chantilly won six of 11 starts in 2025, including victories in the SBOA Stakes, a Fan Hanover elimination and three OSS Gold legs, highlighted by a career-best clocking of 1:49.4 on May 24. She concluded her provincial campaign with a score in the $300,000 OSS Super Final, a win that vaulted her seasonal earnings to $540,682.
"Just a remarkable horse," stated Gallucci. "It seemed like bad luck came us from every which way but she overcame."
Now four, Chantilly certainly could have transitioned into the broodmare ranks of her breeder-owner, the three-time Breeder of the Year Millar Farms. But Gallucci feels there is unfinished business for Team Chantilly on the racetrack in 2026 and looks forward to prepping the talented pacing mare for her older campaign.
"I really would like to see her at 100 per cent before we retire her, and hopefully we can get her to that point."
In this interview with Standardbred Canada's Jeff Porchak, Gallucci also reflects on his highlights from 2025 provides and update on Chantilly in advance of her four-year-old season. The interview is the fourth in a series of interviews sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta.
(Standardbred Canada; photos courtesy New Image Media and Standardbred Canada)