Greg Gilchrist’s journey in thoroughbred racing is a testament to passion, hard work, and adaptability. From a childhood steeped in the racetrack environment to becoming a successful trainer and now a respected bloodstock agent, Gilchrist has witnessed and influenced significant changes in the sport. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the evolution of training methods, the challenges faced by the industry, and the enduring allure of the thoroughbred.
From Racetrack Roots to Military Service and Back
Gilchrist’s connection to racing is deeply ingrained, with his father being a trainer. “I was actually kind of born into the racetrack scene,” Gilchrist shares, humorously recounting his father’s claim that he was “conceived in a tack room.” This early exposure meant that from a young age, the racetrack was his playground. After high school, Gilchrist served two years in the army, including a tour in Vietnam, before returning to the track. This period instilled a discipline that he applied to his burgeoning career. He learned the trade from the ground up, galloping, grooming, and even assisting with veterinary work, a comprehensive approach he believes fostered a deeper respect for the horses.
The Making of a Trainer: From Solopreneur to Success
Starting his training career at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona, Gilchrist initially operated as a “one man show” with a small string of horses. His fortunes turned when John Harris of Harris Farms offered him an opportunity to return to California and train for them. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Gilchrist’s ability to identify potential in horses was famously demonstrated with Lost In The Fog. He acquired the colt for $140,000 after a competitive bidding process, recognizing his exceptional balance and fluid movement. Lost In The Fog went on to become a formidable competitor, with his victory in the King’s Bishop at Saratoga being a career highlight.
Champion Mares and Enduring Legacies
Beyond Lost In The Fog, Gilchrist trained several other notable horses. Soviet Problem, a mare from Harris Farms, was a formidable competitor, winning 15 out of 20 starts and narrowly missing a Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory. Gilchrist believes she deserved an Eclipse Award that year. Work The Crowd, another mare he trained, was a dominant turf performer, seemingly thriving on the turf courses she raced on. Victorina, acquired for Harry Aleo, also demonstrated remarkable versatility, winning across eleven different racetracks and excelling from sprints to middle distances. Gilchrist also fondly remembers Gold Seal, a claiming horse owned by his parents that won 32 races and earned significant purses in the 1970s.
Navigating the Challenges of Modern Racing
Gilchrist’s transition from training to bloodstock agency was driven by a desire for a more balanced life and a recognition of certain industry issues. He notes the significant changes in training methods, with a perceived shift from breeding more durable horses to horses that have shorter careers due to advances in veterinary medicine and a faster-paced training regimen. He expresses concern over the inconsistent application of drug policies across different states and advocates for a national commissioner to standardize rules and enforcement. Gilchrist also shares his reservations about synthetic racing surfaces, believing they were implemented hastily and have not proven to be the safer or more cost-effective solution initially proposed.
The Future of Thoroughbred Racing
Despite the challenges, Gilchrist remains optimistic about the future of racing, particularly in California, with Del Mar and Santa Anita appearing to have strong futures. He believes that the core elements of the sport are sound, but improved administration and unified policies are crucial for progress. His transition to bloodstock agency allows him to leverage his extensive experience, focusing on building a select clientele and finding horses that have the potential for success. “I tell people if I buy you ten horses, two of them are probably going to be really good, two of them are probably going to be worth nothing and there’ll be six in between,” he states, highlighting the inherent risks and rewards of the business. Gilchrist’s continued involvement underscores his lifelong commitment to the thoroughbred industry.
