Networking and making the right contacts gave Ben Gowans, who had no family ties in the company, a Jumpstart and now a strong foot in the world of thoroughbred racing and breeding.
Gowans, 28, works for one of the world’s most productive and respected breeding and racing entities, Gainesway, located near Lexington. While he supervises Bloodstock and racing on GAINESWAY, Gowans also has his own external customers.
His answers have been edited for clarity and space.
Bloodhorse: How are you acquainted with racing?
Ben Gowans: Did not come from a background of a horse races, but came from a horse background. Growing up, my parents have trained Morgan Show -horses. I was born in Seattle and a movement brought us to West -Massachusetts when I was 4 or 5.
My first experience with horse races came to Saratoga as a fan. I was on the rail and received signatures from Jockeys. From a very young age I was transfixed by the sport.
I was 7 or 8 years old on the school bus and read Keeneland -Catalogi. I have been a big horse races as long as I can remember.
BRA: How has that interest in a little more changed?
BG: I worked as a trainee for the Saratoga special when I was a (first -year student in) college. I was then transferred to the horse program of the University of Kentucky My second year.
Via (VK) and my Saratoga Special Connections, I was founded with the great people on Mill Ridge Farm and worked there through the university. I did a little bit of everything. I mainly worked under (managing partner) Headley Bell. In short, what Headley was doing, I was also working. During that process I learned a lot and got a bit of a preference for everything that racing and blood stock are related.
After graduating (in 2021) there was a great opportunity to work for GaineSway. I have worked there for a little more than four years now.
I originally started under Alex Solis (II) the moment he was the director of racing and blood. He was very nice to get me on board to be his assistant at GaineSway. When he stepped in January 2023, I took on his role more.
BRA: What are your tasks?
BG: My most important focus is to take care of our racing interests, and that is also always looking for people who may want to sell with us at the sale.
We are a very small, close -knit group on Gainesway, especially in the office, and we always help and pitch when something is needed. GAINESWAY is involved in all aspects of the industry. There is always something to do and help with, but my most important (responsibility) would be our racing interests.
BRA: Are the racing interests of GaineSway offered home or sales purchases?
BG: Some horses are bred by GaineWay, and we also make some purchases to race. In recent years I have been very lucky to work with (general manager) Brian Graves. Brian’s Horsemanship … To be in the area every day, is very special.
I have always been founded with the right people and have worked for great people on the way, and Brian and (GaineWay chairman) Antony Beck are no exception. They are great people. I learned a lot from them.
BRA: How many horses do GaineSway have in training?
BG: There are 40 horses in training (from mid -July). Many partnerships. Many different trainers. It is a constant communication of keeping track of horses and trainers and just trying to stay informed. Many of our horses are at Hall of Famers and future Hall of Fame trainers, so there is really a lot of management to do. It is mainly communication and being aware of what is going on.
Working with GaineSway, I am very happy to be able to do my own blood stock. I would say I have a unique job. I am very aware that in the Bloodstock World (not everyone) a bit of both can do. I have a handful of customers.
BRA: How did that come about?
BG: When I was still in school, I started working for (trainer) Arnaud Delacour and (owner) Mark Grier. Mr. Grier was the first person I ever started to buy horses for, in 2020. A sweet guy who has been in horse races for a long time. That association came through working with Arnaud that I did different different things – finding (racing) places for horses, and over the years, which also included blood stock. He has several customers who shop the sale, and I lead that indictment of trying to find horses.
I have been working with Arnaud for six years. Arnaud trains for Mr. Grier. It was during Covid then Mr. Grier what horses wanted to buy at the phasig-tipton (yearling) sale that was in Kentucky that year, instead of Saratoga. That was the first sale we bought horses for him, and Arnaud was very nice to recommend me to him. I had never bought a horse, but at that moment I worked with Headley Bell and learning. Since then I have had horses for Mr. Bought grier.
We bought four yearlings in 2022 and two of them walked the following year in the Breeders’ Cup-Air Recruit and Fulmineo (both his bet winners and the latter is assessed in posts). Fulmineo was the most cheap horse bought on day 1 of (the Saratoga sale), for $ 90,000 with (our partners) star light races. Air Recruit was purchased on the (phasig-fillon) July sale.
With (grier) we buy five to six horses a year. We went to Deauville (three) years and we bought a marefish, Evershed, there in 2023. She made her 3-year debut (July 9) in Colonial Downs and won (she then finished second in the phasig-tip Saratoga Oaks Invitational STAKNS). She is a daughter of Churchill, so hopefully to bigger and better with her.
BRA: What have you learned about yourself since racing?
BG: I grew up as a person. When I started at Gainesway, I was only 23. I think my communication skills have improved. When I started, I felt like an outsider. I would not say that I now feel an insider, but I feel that I am one of us … I am one of the people in the industry. I am not afraid to walk to Chad Brown or Bill Mott and say: ‘Hello’ and start talking about our horses. While I started when I started, I would be very (for the time being) about starting that conversation.
BRA: What are your future goals?
BG: Always try to build new relationships. You learn that this company is so much about relationships. I am very happy that I can honestly say that many people I have met in this industry are now my best friends, and that is professional and social. The places that this company takes with you, whether it is inland or internationally, you meet so many people from all walks of life.
I was just lucky to work for great people. I tell people that I go to work every day and it doesn’t feel like a job. I am happy with the present. I now do what I want to do in 10 years. I have already achieved many of the things I wanted to do; I just try to learn more and more every day. I always have goals, but I am now very satisfied with my life.
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