Bruce Phelan has been involved with horses for 45 years in a variety of different roles.  His passion and dedication toward horses can be noted through his successful career and involvement with Thoroughbred race horses.

Chronological experience and success:

1966 – 1972:    worked at Northlands Race Track before and after school as a groom and later as an exercise rider.  This was training and preparation to eventually become a jockey.

1972:    Rode in his first race and finished 3rd.  He was hooked!

1973:    This was Bruce’s first full year of riding as an apprentice Jockey.  He led all apprentice Jockey’s in Canada by winning 97 races.

1976:    Bruce was the leading Jockey in Alberta with 119 wins and carried on to Ontario for the latter part of the season with additional success.

1977:    Continued to ride, learn, and train as a Jockey in Ontario.

1978 – 1984:    Was a sought after Jockey who rode mainly in Alberta but also ventured out to Vancouver and San Fransisco.

1984 – 1985 :    Bruce became the representative for the Jockey’s Guild in Western Canada.  This role involved managing the concerns of the jockey’s who were riding in the Western Canadian Association.  Most of the subject matter of concern involved contracts, safety conditions, etc.

Jockey Success Summary: As a Jockey, Bruce won just under 1000 races, of which 65 were Stakes races.  Bruce was sought after by many owners and trainers to ride their horses due to his success rate and knowledge of each horse’s ability and race style.

1986 – 1990:    Bruce eventually retired from his career as a Jockey and eagerly moved into a new start as a Trainer.  In his early years, he had moderate success as he began to hone his skills from a new perspective.

1991 – 1996:    Bruce decided he missed the Jockey and riding side of the sport and decided to represent Jockey’s as an Agent for a number of years but eventually realized that his stint in training was not over and was calling him back.

1997 – 2010:    Bruce moved back into Training horses with a new and stronger connection to those in his barn.  He was always interested in new and innovative ways of training to maximize the most potential of the horse.  He would try different techniques and in these years, began to use equine massage on his horses.  He found great success with this method of treatment and also began to use magnetic blankets and bandages.

Training Success Summary:  Bruce had a very successful career as a Trainer, winning a number of races including the Canadian Derby, the Manitoba Derby, 4 Fall Classics, and many more.

2011:    Bruce has retired from training as his passion for helping treat horses has become his drive.  Bruce obtained his Equine Massage Therapist License and is looking forward to continuing his career and success in this branch of horse health.