Navigating Big Storms and Bad Luck: Trainer Gittens' Journey

Significant storms and unforeseen challenges can test even the most committed professionals. Horse Trainer Devon Gittens has encountered both natural and personal difficulties that have put his resilience and determination to the test. Winning and becoming accustomed to victory can be almost addictive. Finishing second may sound appealing, but the ultimate goal is winning, which is the sole reason we pursue our endeavors.

Devon Gittens awaits races to resume at Aqueduct.

In 2026, the trainer who took a chance at Woodbine with just a handshake and an introduction has now found himself in New York City, training horses for Bruno Schickendanz during the winter months and experiencing a new racing circuit. Although he hasn't won a race at Aqueduct yet, he remains optimistic and confident in his chances each time.

"Make no bones about it, it's cold out here," said Gittens, "but I still have a couple of firecrackers to release before this winter ends. Some horses just don't like the dirt surface. We train on synthetic at Woodbine, and now we're on dirt here. The good news is that next year at Aqueduct, they will have the synthetic surface, and perhaps the outcome will be more familiar to the horses next time."

I asked him how he was handling the isolation of being away from Canada and Woodbine. Gittens isn't one to get overly homesick; that's not part of his nature. "I am a one-man show, Derek, that keeps me busy! They took a couple of horses from me, but that's not going to hold me back. The boss and I had a good conversation after the horses were claimed; he is always very encouraging."

During the few minutes I had with him, I inquired about this year and the Woodbine season. He was very optimistic about his prospects at Woodbine in 2026 and is eager to begin training on the Canadian side. There are still several weeks remaining here at Aqueduct, and my work here isn't finished yet.

He let out his well-known laugh that I've come to recognize, a laugh that seemed to be a mix of a full laugh and a cough!