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KERI BRION - TRAINER Q & A
- CROWD RACING
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Keri Brion is our first overseas trainer on SYNDICATE CONNECT as we are excited and delighted to have her on board.
Keri brings with her ANOINT a beautiful mare who has won races and still has plenty more to come. You can find more information on Anoint by clicking below.
- How long have you been training racehorses, and what inspired you to become a trainer?
I have been training racehorses independently for five years. Before that, I spent 11 years as an assistant trainer to hall of fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. I always knew I wanted to train because I loved working closely with horses and understanding their behaviour. I gained a wealth of knowledge from Jonathan, and there was never any doubt that training was my calling.
- Can you tell me about the most notable horses you've trained and their achievements?
The Mean Queen is particularly noteworthy. She achieved three Grade 1 victories and won an Eclipse Award during my first year of training. She was also my first hurdle winner in Ireland, securing a maiden victory at Wexford, and became the first American-trained horse to win a hurdle race in Ireland. My other Grade 1 winners include Baltimore Bucko, Jimmy P, Carolyn, and Freddy Flintshire. Additionally, I trained Scorpions Revenge to a bumper win at Cork, marking him as the first American-trained bumper winner in Ireland.
- What are your proudest accomplishments as a trainer?
Being the first American to train a bumper and hurdle winner in Ireland is significant, as Ireland hosts some of the world's finest racing. Winning an Eclipse award in my first year of training with a mare I sourced was also a major achievement. Additionally, I am very proud of my 7 G1 winners to date, especially considering I've only been training for 5 years and there are only 5 Grade 1 races annually in the USA.
- How would you describe your training philosophy and approach to horse care?
Each horse is unique, and it's important to treat them as individuals while allowing them to express their natural behaviors. I let all of my horses spend 30-45 minutes outside every morning before riding, so they can buck, roll, and simply enjoy being horses.
- How do you tailor training programs for individual horses?
We have a variety of training locations available, allowing us to change the environment for each horse. Some horses become disinterested when training on the track, so they primarily work on the grass gallops. Others have sensitive feet and perform better on the well-maintained track. Each horse is unique, and we listen to their preferences and requirements.
- Can you describe your training facilities and the location of your stables?
www.fairhilltrainingcenter.com <--- check it out! This amazing facility features a 1-mile dirt track, a 7/8 mile Tapeta track, a starting gate, a schooling field with hurdles, and thousands of acres for galloping. It's the facility most similar to those in the UK/IRE in the USA. My barns include a total of 70 stables, along with a walking machine, multiple paddocks, and round pens for turnout.
- What sort of track surfaces and amenities are available at your facility?
Besides the amenities mentioned earlier, we also have access to a rehab/therapy centre that features a hyperbaric chamber, salt room, vibrating floor, aquatread, salt water spa, and more! We are truly fortunate to have all these facilities at Fair Hill.
- How experienced is your team, and what roles do they play in the training process?
Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience because everyone has to begin somewhere! I enjoy teaching those eager to learn, and there's always an opportunity for that in my stable. Heidi, my assistant, plays a crucial role by inspecting the horses' legs every morning and offering valuable input and opinions, which I appreciate since having another perspective is essential for brainstorming. The support team behind the trainer is vital; without my staff, I wouldn't be where I am today.
- How do you prefer to communicate with owners about their horses’ progress?
Texting, emailing, or posting on an app is likely the most convenient for me since phone calls consume time that I already lack. However, I understand that owners need to have conversations, and I will always make time for essential phone calls!
- How often should owners expect updates, and in what form? (e.g., reports, calls)
I am VERY big on communication. I respond to texts almost immediately, provide videos and updates, and, as mentioned earlier, I am always open to phone calls. As the one covering the expenses, the owner has the right to be informed about their horse and receive continuous updates.
- How involved can owners be in the training process and decision-making?
I prefer decisions to be made collaboratively. I will consistently share my thoughts and insights while also considering the owner's perspective. I enjoy having owners involved and ensuring they feel empowered to express their desires without hesitation.
- Do you offer opportunities for owners to visit and see their horses train?
Absolutely. As an owner, you are always welcome at the barn. The door is open at all times, and if you want to watch your horse train, just send a text the night before (or further in advance if you're planning a trip), and I'll ensure they train when you arrive. I encourage owners to visit their horses!!
- How do you stay updated with the latest training techniques and industry developments?
I consistently read the latest studies and stay informed about the industry through various news sources. In today's world, information is easily accessible, and you just need to be willing to do some research and reading. I enjoy learning and believe that we learn something new every day!
- What does a typical training day look like for a horse in your care?
Breakfast is served at 4 AM, and at 5 AM we begin our 30 to 45-minute cycles of turnout, so the horse will be turned out at some point during this time. After turnout, they return, get tacked up, and start training. Training locations vary daily and are seldom the same as the previous day. Upon returning, they are cooled down, given a bath, and allowed to graze outside until dry. They then return to their stable, are groomed, have bandages applied if needed, and are fed lunch around noon. Dinner is served around 5 PM, completing a typical day!
- How do you balance training and rest periods for peak performance?
I think each horse is unique, and if you pay attention, they will communicate with you. Some horses can race again after 2 weeks, while others require 6 to 7 weeks between races. After a horse has just raced, they get a few days of turnout before returning to training with some light jogging days before increasing their workload. When they start jumping around and seem energetic, it's a sign they're ready for more!
- How do you adjust training if a horse is not progressing as expected?
I follow the principle that repeating the same actions leads to the same outcomes. If a horse isn't showing improvement, we need to alter our approach. At Fair Hill, we have numerous training options, making it easy to try something different with a horse. However, it's crucial to acknowledge when you're dissatisfied with a horse's progress.
- Can you describe a time you faced a significant challenge with a horse and how you overcame it?
I have a horse named Fun Lovin Criminal who refused to train at the racetrack. He had been banned, was on every possible list, and the owner contacted me to see if I could try to get him to train. He didn't see the track for five months, but we started training him out back on hills, and gradually he improved. He has now won four races for us and is still competing. He was a huge challenge and remains difficult, but I am very proud of what my team has accomplished with a horse that was nearly written off!
- How are travel and logistics handled for races, particularly if they are outside of your local area?
I have a fantastic girl named Anna who organizes everything for our racing trips. She gathers all the essentials, while my assistant Heidi handles the transportation arrangements for the horses. My secretary takes care of booking flights, rental cars, and accommodations for everyone. It's a huge team effort, and when some of us travel for races, it leaves the team short-staffed at home, so everyone steps up to ensure everything runs smoothly. That's the beauty of having a great team!
- Can you adapt your training techniques for horses with different temperaments or histories?
Absolutely. The amenities at Fair Hill offer numerous options. I have yet to encounter a horse in my barn that hasn't found its place. There's a solution for every temperament here!
- Where do you see your training operation in the next five years?
I aspire to be excelling with one or two more Eclipse Awards to my name, a few additional G1 jump victories, and I truly hope to be involved in training. I also aim to have a stakes winner or two on the flat!
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