This past weekend, longtime trainer Steve Asmussen entered the Racing Hall of Fame, thanks to his stellar career. But you at Saratoga you see all kinds of people -- including those who are just starting out. Three years ago, we introduced you to new trainer Abigail Adsit. Geoff Redick went back to see Abigail, and how she's doing early in her own career.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Like any job, it is tough work starting out as a trainer. Abigail Adsit has found that out the hard way -- now, she is rounding into form. She has a way with them. You can just tell by the way she brightens up: Abigail Adsit loves her horses.
A Saratoga Springs high school graduate, her dream was always to be a trainer, though her first three years have not been easy.
"You know, you go through growing pains and what-not, especially in the first year,” said Adsit.
In her first year: 2013, when 26-year-old Abigail was just starting her own barn at Saratoga. She grabbed a win at Belmont that year, but could not break through at the Spa. And there was a learning curve.
"It's suggesting the best ideas and the best advice for a particular horse, and maybe your owner doesn't see eye-to-eye with that. So it's learning to get your point across, and making sure to do the best for each and every horse,” she said.
"The winter meet was tough because we had sick horses," said Eric Adsit, her father.
Abigail's father Eric Adsit, is her assistant. After some early struggles and a tough winter, he says Abigail has seen more luck -- with horses finishing second, third and fifth this year at the Spa.
"Oh, very proud. I mean, any father or parent is super proud and happy to see their daughter or son do great in something they always wanted to do, and actually chasing their passion. A lot of people will take a job and it'll just be a job, to Abigail, this is her life,” Adsit said of his daughter.
"Still searching for that first win here," she said.
Waiting to break through, Abigail says she has already learned the most valuable lesson in training:
"Whenever you get the heartaches, you just look down your shed row and see those horses there -- as corny as it sounds, it reminds you of why you do what you do."
Abigail's best performing horse this year is Tainted Angel, a two-year-old filly with two second-place finishes. She is racing again next week, so keep an eye out for Tainted Angel. She's looking like an up-and-comer.