{{Short description|American race horse trainer}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox person | birth_date = {{Birth based on age as of date|62|2015|04|28}} | birth_place = Mountain Brook, Alabama, U.S. | alma_mater = {{Plainlist| * University of Alabama * University of Alabama at Birmingham }} | occupation = Thoroughbred racehorse trainer }} '''Carla Gaines''' (born {{Birth based on age as of date|62|2015|04|28|noage=1}})<ref name=":2" /> is a California-based American thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Since earning her trainer's license in 1989, Gaines's horses have won nearly $39 million in earnings over the course of her career. In 2015 became the 16th woman trainer to take a horse to the Kentucky Derby, where she ran Bolo to a twelfth-place finish.
== Biography == Gaines was born and raised in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Gaines rode horses on her grandfather's farm and later competed in hunter-jumper classes.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=2015-04-28 |title=Kentucky Derby 2015: Alabama native Carla Gaines seeks historic win in 141st Run for the Roses |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2015/04/kentucky_derby_2015_alabama_na.html |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lintner |first=Jonathan |date=2015-04-01 |title=Video {{!}} Female trainer bidding for Derby win |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/triple/derby/2015/04/01/videos--gaines-bidding-for-female-derby-win/70778328/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> She attended the University of Alabama where she received an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology, and later pursued a master's degree in counseling at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clay |first=John |date=November 12, 2015 |title=John Clay: Carla Gaines, trainer of Derby contender Bolo, left psychology for the racetrack |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-clay/article44596590.html |access-date=2025-08-04 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader}}</ref> As a youth, she competed horses and got into racing after working as an exercise rider.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Gene |date=2018-08-24 |title=Female Trainers Find Room to Work, Prosper on the Backstretch |url=https://www.dmtc.com/media/news/female-trainers-find-room-to-work-prosper-on-the-backstretch-1239 |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=www.dmtc.com |language=en}}</ref> Prior to becoming a race trainer, Gaines counseled troubled youth.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Abner |first=Josh |date=2015-04-30 |title=Carla Gaines aims to become first woman trainer to win Kentucky Derby |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/04/30/carla-gaines-aims-to-become-first-woman-trainer-to-win-kentucky-derby/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}</ref> Gaines turned to horses after her early forays into counselling negatively affected her mental health.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Chris |date=2012-11-01 |title=Carla Gaines: From bad blood to thoroughbreds |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/carla-gaines-from-bad-blood-to-thoroughbreds-8274598.html |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zieralski |first=Ed |date=2010-08-24 |title=Carla Gaines bids to be first woman trainer to win Pacific Classic |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2010/08/24/carla-gaines-bids-to-be-first-woman-trainer-to-win-pacific-classic/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the mid-1980s she moved to Northern California to pursue a career as a racing trainer. In 1989 she received her trainer's license. After several years of working on the Northern California racing circuit, Gaines relocated permanently to Southern California in 1996.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Carla Gaines |url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/trainers/carla-gaines |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=America's Best Racing |language=en}}</ref> <blockquote>"We used to use a stick which was far more severe for decades. It left welts. I rode horses all my life. I think the stick is necessary."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Heller |first=Bill |date=2019-07-14 |title=#Soundbites - Should rules be added to limit or eliminate a jockey's use of the whip? |url=https://trainermagazine.com/north-american-trainer-articles/tag/Whip+rules |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Trainer Magazine |language=en-GB |issue=53}}</ref> Carla Gaines speaking about prospective whip rules in racing and her approach to riding.</blockquote>As of 2025, Gaines's horses have earned over $39 million in race winnings over the course of her career across nearly 5,000 starts, with $1.35 million earned in 2024 alone.<ref name=":1" /> Gaines is based at Santa Anita and resides in Pasadena, California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Art |date=2008-12-26 |title=For trainer Gaines, it's the best of times and the worst of times |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2008/12/26/for-trainer-gaines-its-the-best-of-times-and-the-worst-of-times/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Los Angeles Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Prominent horses == thumb|Nashoba's Key in 2007 In 2007, Gaines' trainee Nashoba's Key would go to win over $1m in winnings in just ten races before being euthanized after an accident.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantz |first=Tracy |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Nashoba's Key Dies in Freak Accident |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/153818/nashobas-key-dies-in-freak-accident |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Blood-Horse}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Art |date=2008-05-29 |title=Accident leads to euthanizing of mare Nashoba's Key |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2008/05/29/accident-leads-to-euthanizing-of-mare-nashobas-key/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> Nashoba's Key was named the 2009 California Horse of the Year and later inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Hall of Fame in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Victor |date=2023-03-12 |title='Consummate, Tenacious Racehorse': Gaines Reflects On Nashoba's Key Induction Into CTBA Hall Of Fame |url=https://paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/consummate-tenacious-racehorse-gaines-reflects-on-nashobas-key-induction-into-ctba-hall-of-fame |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref>
In 2009, Gaines had the biggest win of her career when Dancing in Silks won the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dancing in Silks - Hall of Champions |url=https://breederscup.com/horses/hall-of-champions/2009/sprint/dancing-in-silks?tab=profile |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Breeders' Cup |language=en}}</ref> Dancing in Silks owner advocated to enter the horse in the race against Gaines' advice.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Carla Gaines |url=https://ctba.com/carla-gaines/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=California Thoroughbred Breeders Association |language=en-US}}</ref> A longshot at the start of the race, Dancing in Silks won a purse of $1,080,000 for his victory in the race.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welsch |first=Mike |date=2009-11-07 |title=Dancing in Silks upsets Sprint in 4-way photo |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/horse/breederscup09/news/story?id=4632566 |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Dancing in Silks was later named the 2009 California Horse of the Year, sharing the honor with California Flag.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-08-31 |title=Dancing in Silks retired-again |url=https://paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/dancing-in-silks-retired-again |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andersen |first=Steve |date=2011-07-01 |title=Hollywood's Kerlan an important test for Dancing in Silks |url=https://www.drf.com/news/hollywoods-kerlan-important-test-dancing-silks |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Daily Racing Form |language=en}}</ref>
In 2010 and 2011, Gaines campaigned Malibu Pier to multiple stakes wins and a place in the La Brea Handicap.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-12-26 |title=Spendthrift homebred Malibu Pier second in G1 La Brea |url=https://www.spendthriftfarm.com/news/spendthrift-homebred-malibu-pier-second-in-g1-la-brea/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Spendthrift Farm |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2015, Gaines brought Bolo to the Kentucky Derby, making history as the sixteenth female trainer to campaign a horse in the race.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saxon |first=Jonathan |date=2021-04-26 |title=This female trainer could make history if horse Hidden Stash wins the Kentucky Derby |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/kentucky-derby/2021/04/26/kentucky-derby-2021-vicki-oliver-first-female-trainer-in-years/7210603002/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Louisville Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Gary |date=2015-05-02 |title=Kentucky Derby notes: Lovely Maria wins Kentucky Oaks |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kentucky-derby-notes-20150502-story.html |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Bolo would end up finishing twelfth in the Derby. Four years later in 2019, Bolo won the $500,000 Shoemaker Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oser |first=Christine |date=2019-05-27 |title=Bolo Pulls Off Shoemaker Mile Shocker at 30-1 |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/233912/bolo-pulls-off-shoemaker-mile-shocker-at-30-1 |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Blood-Horse}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-07-22 |title='Godspeed Old Friend': Grade 1 Winner Bolo Retired From Racing |url=https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/godspeed-old-friend-grade-1-winner-bolo-retired-from-racing |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref>
In 2024, her trainee mare Closing Remarks was named the 2023 Champion California-bred Turf Horse and Champion California-bred Older Female by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-03-13 |title=The Chosen Vron Voted California's 2023 Horse Of The Year |url=https://paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/the-chosen-vron-voted-californias-2023-horse-of-the-year |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref> Closing Remarks was retired from racing in March 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2024-03-08 |title=Harris Homebred Millionaire Closing Remarks Retires - Harris Farms |url=https://harrisfarms.com/12774-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412171024/https://harrisfarms.com/12774-2/ |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |access-date=2025-08-04 |work=Harris Farms |language=en-US }}</ref>
In 2024, Gaines's trainee Hot Girl Walk won the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes in Del Mar, California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Hot Girl Walk Greedy in Generous Portion |url=https://pastthewire.com/hot-girl-walk-greedy-in-generous-portion/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Past The Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Controversies == thumb|Stables at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where Gaines keeps her horses during the Summer racing series. Gaines has served several suspensions for violating racing regulations with regards to controlled substances. In 2013, Gaines was fined $2,500 and suspended for 30 days after two of her horses tested positive for testosterone the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zieralski |first=Ed |date=2012-09-12 |title=Carla Gaines' fillies tested over for testosterone |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2012/09/12/carla-gaines-fillies-tested-over-for-testosterone/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-07-25 |title=Horse Trainer Suspended for Testosterone Levels in Horses |url=https://patch.com/california/delmar-carmelvalley/horse-trainer-suspended-for-testosterone-levels-in-horses |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Del Mar-Carmel Valley, CA Patch |language=en}}</ref> The suspension gained notoriety at the time as Gaines still visited the track despite being officially disqualified for attending.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-11 |title=Suspended trainer OK to visit Del Mar |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2013/08/11/suspended-trainer-ok-to-visit-del-mar/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2019, her trainee Charge A Bunch was killed instantly after colliding with another horse during training.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Esses |first=Hailey |date=2019-08-07 |title=More horses die as racing continues |url=https://highschool.latimes.com/news/more-horses-die-as-racing-continues/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Los Angeles Times High School Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> The accident became highly publicized due to the death of two other horses involved, which were trained by Bob Baffert, as well as due to the Del Mar track's reputation for safety.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-31 |title=Third horse dies during training at Del Mar Racetrack |url=https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/horse-dies-during-training-at-del-mar-racetrack-073119 |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, Gaines was fined $1,000 and suspended for seven days after horses in her care tested positive for the banned tranquilizer acepromazine.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-09-18 |title=Peter Miller, Carla Gaines Will Each Serve Seven-Day Suspension For Acepromazine Positives |url=https://paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/peter-miller-carla-gaines-will-each-serve-seven-day-suspension-for-acepromazine-positives |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref> She was additionally issued two penalty points.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-09-19 |title=HIWU Weekly Update: Trainer Suspended 4.5 Years, Fined $37,500 For Three Banned Substance Positives |url=https://paulickreport.com/news/hiwu-weekly-update-trainer-suspended-4-5-years-fined-37500-for-three-banned-substance-positives |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Paulick Report |language=en}}</ref>
In 2024, she was fined and received 1.5 Penalty Points for a medication violation which found the presence of Flunixin, a controlled substance in Big Summer after the horse's win in Del Mar.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-12-18 |title=Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Dec. 12-18 |url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/weekly-national-regulatory-rulings-dec-12-18/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Thoroughbred Daily News |language=en}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaines, Carla}} Category:American racehorse trainers Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:1950s births Category:People from Mountain Brook, Alabama