Three decades into his career, Rob has emerged as a prominent figure in New York’s competitive horse racing scene. With a grounding in traditional horsemanship and a remarkable talent for claiming horses, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess. In 2021, he achieved a seventh-place tie with trainer Brad Cox at the Saratoga Meet, marking a significant milestone with his first Gr. 1 stakes victory aboard Maracuja in the Coaching Club American Oaks. This current Belmont Park Summer Meet sees him in a sixth-place tie with David Donk, further solidifying his standing. Rob’s financial success has seen a steady climb, with earnings escalating from $1.8 million in 2019 to $2 million in 2020, and a substantial $3.9 million in 2021. He has already surpassed $2 million in the first six months of the current year, and at 37 years old, he holds the 37th national ranking in earnings, a position he also held at the end of June last year.
His success is significantly bolstered by his wife, Brittney, who serves as his assistant trainer and closest confidante. Brittney attributes Rob’s achievements to his individualized approach to each horse. “I think because he treats each horse individually,” she stated. This hands-on philosophy is evident in his meticulous attention to training methods, leg wrapping, and his keen ability to assess a horse’s condition. Brittney highlights Rob’s realistic assessment of their stable and his strategic race placement as key components of their success.
Rob’s deep-rooted connection to horses began in his childhood, influenced by his mother, Tanis. While working at a bank, she owned a few horses, and upon her retirement, she dedicated her time to her passion for riding and horses. “She grew up always riding,” Rob recalled. “She owned a couple of horses with trainer Jack Robertson. We were very close to his farm. She would help him out.” Rob spent his early years immersed in the racing environment, often found in the track kitchen reading “The Form,” absorbing the foundational knowledge his mother provided.
Tanis, his mother, beams with pride for her only child, having witnessed his lifelong devotion to horses. “That was his passion,” she shared. “To be that successful at the New York tracks, we’re very proud of him. He puts his heart and soul into it. He’s done that his whole life. He loves it. He’s got a great wife, and they’re a great team.”
Rob’s father, Jim, a former undercover investigator for the Royal Canadian Mountain Police for three decades in Manitoba, has been a steadfast supporter of his son’s unconventional career path, despite not being directly involved in horses. “Sometimes he was gone for a week,” Rob mentioned. “He wasn’t really involved in horses, but he’s been really supportive of me.” His parents remain avid followers of his career, “We never miss a race,” his mother added. “It’s so exciting for us. We love watching him.”
Rob’s trajectory from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, to the racetracks of New York is marked by diverse and formative experiences. At 16 and 17, he spent his summers working for trainer Jack Robertson, absorbing crucial fundamentals of horse care, particularly focusing on leg maintenance and tracking individual horse progress.
Following his high school graduation, Rob briefly worked in a steel factory. However, his true calling soon led him back to the racetrack. He used his savings to purchase a horse, embarking on his racing journey with an innate drive. He pursued studies at the University of Manitoba for a year and a half before returning definitively to the track.
His career path then led him to work for trainer Bert Blake, a respected figure in Canadian racing. Blake, who managed a modest stable, recognized Rob’s potential and offered him a position. “He asked me if I could work for him. I had two horses. He said I could keep them. I trained a little on my own. Bert let me do that. I worked up to assistant trainer. It was really cool,” Rob reminisced about this pivotal period.
