Carol Fisher, a dedicated former assistant to trainer Tony Dutrow, is set to embark on her training career with her debut on September 7th in the fifth race at Saratoga Race Course. Fisher, 32, has established a stable of three horses in Barn 33 at the upstate New York track. Her inaugural starter will be Days Ride, a 7-year-old gelding by Strong Contender, competing in a 1 1/8-mile event for $20,000 claimers. This promising partnership is further strengthened by the ownership of Michael Dubb and Bethlehem Stables, and the mount will be taken by Javier Castellano, the meet’s leading rider in purse earnings.
Fisher’s lifelong ambition to train horses became a reality after 16 years dedicated to the sport as an exercise rider and assistant trainer. “I knew I always wanted to train,” Fisher shared. “Even when I was younger and galloping horses, being a jockey never really interested me. It was always the training part. Going in there and working with the horses every day, figuring out what they like, how to keep them happy and sound—that is the part that always interested me.” While her journey to establishing her own stable has presented its challenges, Fisher’s unwavering determination and extensive racing experience fuel her confidence in her horses’ future success.
Growing up surrounded by the equestrian landscape of Fair Hill, Maryland, Fisher’s fascination with horses began at a very young age. “My family would be driving to church on Sunday and I would see girls riding their horses around the show ring. I used to get so envious,” she recalled. This passion led her to seek out opportunities, eventually leading to a deal where she worked at a local farm in exchange for riding lessons. She was homeschooled from seventh grade through high school, a schedule that allowed her to pursue her passion for riding in the mornings and dedicate her afternoons to her studies. Horses were, and remain, her singular focus.
Fisher’s passion for horses seamlessly transitioned into a professional career when her riding instructor introduced her to the dynamic world of Thoroughbred racing. At 16, she began galloping steeplechase and flat horses for trainer Ricky Hendriks. Subsequently, she worked with Mickey Pregger Jr. in Camden, South Carolina, focusing on breaking and galloping young horses. Her career path then led her to the racetrack, specifically to Parx Racing, then known as Philadelphia Park. There, she gained invaluable experience working for trainers Steve Krebs and Tony Dutrow.
A pivotal moment in her career was receiving a phone call from Dutrow, who offered her the position of his assistant and the responsibility of managing a string of horses at Belmont Park. Fisher eagerly accepted the opportunity. For the subsequent eight years, as Dutrow’s assistant, she played a role in the careers of notable horses such as the 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace, and grade I winners Grace Hall and The Big Beast. “Tony taught me a lot about horsemanship,” Fisher stated. “He’s a very good horseperson. Tony always had the best around him and he taught me the same. He taught me that it is really important to do things as a team, be the best you can be, and keep in good company.”
Dutrow recognized Fisher’s readiness for independence, stating, “It was time for Carol to move out and be on her own. If she hadn’t done it now, I would have made her do it. Her strongest suit right now is her horsemanship. She’s a very, very good horseman.” This sentiment is underscored by Fisher’s hands-on approach, being one of the few trainers who actively rides her own horses. This includes Defoe Street, a 5-year-old mare by Street Sense whom she claimed for $40,000, and the 3-year-old New York-bred maiden Threes Are Wild. “There is a lot you can feel but can’t see and vice versa,” Fisher explained. “Being able to get on their back and feel their energy and their mood is a big part of why I like riding my own. I really want to individualize each horse. I want to have a training program, but be able to customize it to each horse. I want an owner to be able to send me a horse and know I will do a good job with it, regardless of whether the horse likes to run short or long, on the dirt or on the turf. I want to know each horse like the back of my hand and learn what makes them happy.”
Establishing her own stable has been a significant undertaking for Fisher, particularly given her lack of a family background in the racing industry. Every step forward has been a testament to her self-reliance, and achieving a presence at Saratoga represents a considerable milestone. “I have three horses right now, which I am lucky to have here in Saratoga,” she said. “I am very grateful that the New York Racing Association gave me three stalls. That’s hard to get up here. I have a couple of really good owners who have been really supportive and have helped me. Hopefully when I get back to Belmont, I’ll get some babies in and claim some more horses.”
Following Days Ride’s debut race, Fisher intends to remain in New York and compete at Belmont Park throughout the fall season. She acknowledges the formidable competition but remains undeterred. “I feel like there is so much pressure on me to do a good job,” she admitted. “I have so many supportive friends and fellow trainers that expect me to do well. I’m very grateful for my owners: Aron Yagoda, Michael Dubb, Stuart Grant, and Michael Caruso. They are great guys and when I win a race for them, I will be ecstatic. It will make me very happy to do well for them.”
For Fisher, achieving her first training victory will be the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. “It is safe to say it will be the happiest day of my life,” she concluded.
