The horse racing industry creates more than 25,000 jobs in Ontario, and a common theme for thousands of people who work in racing is that it’s a family business. Natasha Steacy is a perfect example.
Her grandfather, the late well-known horseperson Florian Rivest, got her into the business. Now she’s married to leading Ontario Sires Stakes trainer and 2020 Johnston Cup winner Shawn Steacy.
“I grew up in the horses and have loved it since day one,” said Steacy on a recent afternoon. “My grandfather is the reason I’m involved. I have my broodmare and all the babies are named after him. One of the babies qualified today, with my uncle Mike Saftic driving, so it’s one big family affair.”
It’s around 1 p.m. in the Steacy Racing Stable barn at First Line Training Centre in Milton, Ont., and the Millgrove, Ont. resident’s morning illustrates how a caretaker’s schedule changes day-to-day.
She was up early turning out horses and then readied four babies to qualify at Woodbine Mohawk Park, including Flo Rider, a two-year-old Wheelin N Dealin trotter out of the mare Goinwiththelfo named after her grandfather.
On a race night, she would head back at the racetrack with her charges. Tomorrow, she’ll prep horses to jog or train rather than head to the track for schooling.
So, while every day her routine is slightly different, the goal is the same. Provide the best quality care for the horse and they will return the effort in spades on the racetrack.
“We work with the horses every day,” said Steacy. “So, when we get to meet them in the winner’s circle after they have raced, after you have put all your hard work into them all week, the feeling is unreal.”
Steacy has experienced that feeling countless times over the years as a lifelong member of the racing community. But she wants those outside of the industry to know how satisfying working as a caretaker is.
“This is a great business to be involved in,” said Steacy. “It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication, but we need a lot more people to come into this business, with the same effect the rest of us have on it. That will make this business flourish.”
(Ontario Racing)