Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

After an announcement that he and his family will be leaving Ontario for Australia, Greg Gangle was the focus of a recent COSA TV feature as he preps for his journey downunder.

Gangle has worked in the industry going on 12 years, starting with The Harness Edge straight out of the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry Program and continuing from there to work at the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG). At WEG, Gangle spent four years working in the media and communications department and then another four in its broadcast department.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work in so many different aspects of the industry,” Gangle said. “I graduated with a college diploma many years ago and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I was just one of a million kids with a marketing diploma. So I knew I had to diversify myself, so I went to the University of Arizona for the Racetrack Industry Program and when I was down there, I got a phone call from Harold Howe at The Harness Edge. Long story short, I went to work for him for three years. First day there or the first week, I was in the car with him going to Harrisburg and meeting the likes of John Campbell and Mike Lachance and Jimmy Takter and Ron Burke, and I was starstruck. I didn’t know what to do with myself – I was 20 years old, 21 years old. That taught me so much at a very young age. I was so privileged to have that opportunity to experience and meet those types of people.”

Towards the end of his time at WEG, Gangle was with his now wife Anna – an Australian native. And the pair both wanted to shift away from the city. An opportunity arose that gave the two the chance to do so when a position opened in London.

“I reached a point in my career where I wanted to diversify myself even further,” Gangle said. “Anna and I were together at that time, my daughter Taylor I think was 2, and we said we don’t want to live the big city life anymore; we want a quieter lifestyle. And that’s what brought us to London – there was an opening to be the assistant manger at Western Fair, and I was privileged enough to be the selected choice. Four years there. Again, I just wanted to learn the business side of things. I learned how to schedule race meetings and operate cards and things like that, and just be well rounded in everything that goes on in putting on a race card.

“With this opportunity, I think it just takes it one step further to continue to grind away at that resume and continue to grow and grow and grow and develop,” Gangle also said. “I mean, I’m 34 right now. I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my career. But I will say I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Anna. She’s the backbone of our family. She’s an O’Brien Award winner or a Dan Patch Award winner.”

Now Gangle is readying to assume the role of CEO for the Wagga Harness Racing Club, located just about four hours inland from Sydney in New South Wales. Along with Anna being from Australia, the two had talked even before the opportunity arose about moving themselves down under.

“The whole idea probably started a couple of years ago. Before we had kids, Anna and I had been to Australia. Anna’s family is from Australia, and even when our two daughters were born we’ve been there. So I’ve been there about three or four times and love the culture, just love the country itself. We’ve talked about it on and off about the idea of relocating, so that’s always been on the back of our mind as a potential opportunity. When this particular job opportunity came up, obviously we had to give it a lot of thought. My mom lives across the street, my dad’s 20 minutes away so family means everything to us. So obviously we had to give it a lot of discussions, deep discussions about what was right for us [and] what was right for our family. And we decided, because we’re young – my oldest daughter is 6 – let’s take the plunge; let’s do it now. I don’t want to look back and say ‘Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve’ five or six years from now. It’s just who I am.”

The full COSA TV feature is available below: