The Brandywine Hills, a historic race in the Delaware Valley, is renowned not only for its long-standing tradition but also for the deep involvement of local families. This esteemed event has served as a crucial starting point for numerous equestrian sports leaders and champions. Among these notable figures is Unionville-based steeplechase trainer Leslie Falini Young, who has carved a significant path in the sport. As a jockey, she achieved 16 victories out of 43 races between 1979 and 1991. Her training accolades include guiding the 2019 NSA timber titlist Andi’Amu, the 2017 NSA champion Lady Blanco, the 2014 NSA champion Bittersweetheart, and the 2013 Virginia Steeplechase horse of the year, Gustavian, who was also an Eclipse finalist.
Leslie’s journey into equestrian sports was profoundly shaped by her family, friends, and the supportive Brandywine horse community. These relationships have remained central to her life. Born and raised in West Chester, Leslie hails from a family of passionate riders. Her parents, Dominick and Peggy Falini, were active with the Brandywine Hounds, and Dominick participated in point-to-point races. From an early age, both parents actively supported Leslie’s equestrian ambitions, encouraging her involvement in pony club, fox hunting, and pony racing.
Her parents were dedicated members of the Brandywine community. At just four years old, Leslie experienced her first hunt, riding her black pony, Daffodil, alongside the Brandywine hounds. The vivid memories of that day persist, with Leslie fondly recalling Mrs. Watson calling her “Daffodil” and John White as a skilled Huntsman. Leslie’s riding career flourished, marked by a gold medal at the Pony Club Eastern Pennsylvania Region eventing rally with her C-3 team and a national ranking in girls’ tetrathlon. She also competed on the DelMarVa pony race circuit, securing year-end titles on both small and large ponies.
During high school, Leslie gained valuable experience working for Hall of Fame Trainers Jonathan Sheppard and Jack Fisher. Concurrently, she excelled in lacrosse and field hockey, earning All-Star and All-American honors in both sports. After graduating from Lynchburg College with a degree in health science and athletic training, Leslie returned to Pennsylvania. She embarked on a career as a physical therapist and also coached a championship high school girls’ lacrosse team. For a time, Leslie stepped away from the equestrian world.
However, the allure of her passion proved irresistible. A pivotal moment occurred at a party following the Brandywine Hills Point to Point, where Leslie realized how deeply she missed horses. This realization spurred her return to the racing scene. Leslie secured a position galloping for Jonathan Sheppard and, with the same unwavering tenacity, passion, and determination she had demonstrated since her early days with Daffodil, began the challenging journey toward becoming a leading trainer.
In 2003, Leslie met Irish Jump Jockey and future five-time Steeplechase Champion Paddy Young in Pennsylvania. They quickly formed a strong friendship, finding common ground in their shared outlook on life, passions, and goals. Their connection solidified, leading to their marriage in 2007. This period was both joyful and demanding: Leslie obtained her trainer’s license in 2007, their son Rory was born in 2008, and daughter CeCe arrived in 2009. Paddy’s elder son, Tom, joined them in the U.S., completing their family unit as they worked, thrived, and achieved success in the racing world.
For many, training powerful and spirited thoroughbred steeplechase horses would be an intimidating undertaking. However, Leslie finds the most challenging aspect of being a trainer has little to do with the animals themselves. “Sometimes, you need a degree in psychology to deal with the owners and staff,” she admits. “The horses are the fun and easy part!” Some of this leading trainer’s most cherished victories include Rahsaan’s G1 win at Saratoga, Andi’Amu’s Virginia Gold Cup triumph, Tomgarrow and Monbeg Streams’ My Lady’s Manor wins, and Lady Blanco’s Far Hills Fill’s stake victory.
Leslie recently returned from the prestigious Cheltenham Festival in England, describing the experience as “amazing.” She expressed a desire to have a runner in the UK one day, marveling at the performances of champions like Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill.
Like everyone, Leslie has faced significant challenges. In 2017, her husband Paddy suffered a life-altering fall at Radnor Hunt Races, requiring a long and arduous recovery. During this difficult time, friends and the wider steeplechase community rallied, offering their time and support to Paddy, Leslie, and their family. Leslie navigated these adversities with “determination,” she states, motivated by a desire to set a positive example for her children and to make her parents proud.
This resilience, underscored by the strength of family and community, brings the narrative back to the Brandywine Hills. Leslie hopes to have a runner at the event this year, potentially with a ladies’ timber horse, weather permitting. Having not had previous runners at Brandywine due to focusing on hurdle races and competing at NSA meets elsewhere, she now looks forward to participating with their increasing number of timber horses. Beyond immediate racing plans, Leslie is excited about welcoming new horses to her barn and seeing familiar stars return, signaling a continued bright future for Leslie Young’s career.
The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point is scheduled for Saturday, April 1. For more information, visit www.brandywineredclay.dorg.
