Adjusting to life nearly 4,400 kilometres from her British Columbia roots, trainer Tara Neigel has steadily built a presence at Woodbine, combining patience, ambition, and careful planning to establish herself in Canada’s premier Thoroughbred circuit.
“The first year, in 2024, was really tough because I didn’t know anyone,” Neigel admits. “Even simple things like learning the protocols, understanding the exercise riders, the jockeys, the agents—there was so much to absorb. Each year gets a little more comfortable.”
A native of Victoria, Neigel began her racing career at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, which closed its doors after 133 years of live Thoroughbred racing last December. Anticipating opportunities elsewhere, she relocated her stable to Woodbine ahead of the 2024 season, determined to make her mark.
“I know I left Hastings a bit early, but the opportunities are here for anyone willing to work hard,” she said.
Offseason Preparation Sets the Stage
Neigel spent the winter honing her stable at Gulfstream Park in Florida, aiming to have her horses fit and ready for the early Woodbine season. Her efforts are already showing promise.
“A couple of our horses are doing well down in Gulfstream, so they’ll be in good shape when we get to Woodbine. That’s been a big focus over the winter,” she explained. “They’re nicer-class horses, and if they perform well early, I can reinvest in the stable and continue to build it.”
Standout Horses Lead the Charge
Key to Neigel’s rising trajectory is Brittany’s Way, a 4-year-old daughter of St. Patrick’s Day–Lottery Queen purchased with veteran horseman Steve Owens for $21,000 at the 2025 Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale. The filly won her first start for the team in July 2025 and has since been a consistent performer, earning nearly $40,000 across seven starts.
Split Strike, a 4-year-old gelding out of the Take Charge Indy mare Spilt Time, is another standout. Claimed for $12,500 last March, he enjoyed a brief break before returning to run impressively in Gulfstream contests. “He’s run really well for us, and I’m excited to bring him back to Woodbine in the spring,” Neigel said.
Building for Growth
With the 2026 season at Woodbine beginning on April 18, Neigel is focused on expanding her stable and establishing a stronger presence among Toronto trainers. “It’s about getting my horses to perform at their best, meeting new owners, and gradually building relationships within the community,” she explained.
Adjusting to city life has been another element of her journey. A self-described “homebody,” Neigel enjoys walking her dog through Toronto’s parks and spending time with family and her three cats, gradually discovering the city beyond the track.
“I appreciate the Woodbine community for being so welcoming,” she said. “We started with a small string that couldn’t quite compete, but we managed to win a race with Addendum the first year, and that set the foundation for everything that’s come since. It’s about building, little by little, every year.”
With a mix of perseverance, careful management, and promising talent in the barn, Neigel looks poised to make 2026 her most successful season yet.
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