Harness racing was worth the wait for Kayla Chappell

by Victoria Howard

Kayla Chappell was born in Victoria, BC, and raised in Cloverdale, BC. Both parents worked in the industry, grooming, training and driving, while their daughter showed Arabian horses.

Chappell competitively showed at the national level for over 10 years before trying her luck in the sport that her parents loved; harness racing.

The family raced at Fraser Downs and if that sounds familiar it’s probably because one of harness racing’s best female trainers, Casie Coleman, also started there.

Chappell and Coleman both attended the same school, Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, which was located on top of the hill overlooking the racetrack.

On the West Coast in Canada, they only race pacing horses so it wasn’t until Chappell ventured out to Ontario that she learned about trotters.

“For the past three years I have worked for trainer Andrew Harris,” Chappell said. “Harris is the trainer of one of the top stables in harness racing today. He is so good at what he does and working for him has been an honor.”

Harris has trained many champions, most recently, Brandon Blvd, one of the sports best 3-year-old pacers who won the $800,000 Meadowlands Pace, giving him his first victory in the track’s signature pacing event in his 23-year career as a trainer.

But being in the limelight is nothing new to Harris for he trained Yo Tillie, Monserrate, Abuckabett Hanover, Cambridge Hanover, Funtime Bayama, and others.

“My boyfriend and I both work for Andrew,” Chappell said. “For the past three years we are in Kentucky [during the summer] and when the meet at The Red Mile is over, we pack up and head to New Jersey and remain there until mid-April, and then we start the process all over again.

“I take care of five horses, and each one is like my child. I used to drive, but due to health problems I don’t really drive anymore. I miss it a lot and still enjoying jogging and training. We mainly race at The Red Mile in Lexington.

“Last year, Gala set a track record at Cumberland Run for 2-year-old fillies on a five-eighths-mile track and was only one-fifth-of-a-second off equaling a new world record on a five-eighths for 2-year-old fillies. She holds the track record at Cumberland for 2-year-old fillies.”

Chappell said she feels blessed to be working alongside one of harness racing’s top trainers.

“It has given me many great opportunities to care for some amazing animals,” she said. “The fastest horse I have taken care of is the filly Topville Lucky who took a mark of 1:49.1 last season as a 2-year-old at The Red Mile.

“Of course, every one of my horses are special to me, but the one who will always remain at the top of the list is Zeppole Hanover [Zeppy for short].

“This year Zeppy didn’t come to Kentucky with us and remained in New Jersey. He is such a joy to be around who has the ‘typical golden retriever’ personality and loves his donuts. I have taken care of Zeppy since I started working for Andrew so of course, he’s a spoiled brat.”

Last year at The Red Mile, Chappell could be seen leading Zeppy to the field on her electric scooter while he proudly donned his zebra fly sheet.

“If that didn’t bring a smile to your face, nothing will,” she said with a laugh.

Topville Lucky is also high on Chappell’s list of horses that she’s cared for.

“She will always be super special to me because it was ‘Lucky’ who gave me my first Grand Circuit win at The Red Mile,” Chappell said. “Recently, Lucky won the Nadia Lobel at Scioto Downs and finished a strong third in the Adioo Volo held at The Meadows.”

Chappell also looks after Heart For Two, a chestnut 3-year-old trotting filly.

“I’ve had her since she came to our barn after they purchased her at the sale and yes, although she’s red, she’s definitely one of my favorites,” Chappell said. “But really, I can’t choose one horse I care for that I wouldn’t put on my favorite list, I love them all.”

As a woman in harness racing, Chappell values those that came before her.

“Yes, women have certainly come a long way in the sport. I believe that all the women in the industry are superstars. We all are trying to pave our own path and make a name for ourselves. The two women that pop into my head are Casie Coleman and Lauren Tritton. They are both very smart and talented horsewomen who have definitely made a huge mark for the women in the business.

“As I said, Casie also came from Victoria, BC in Canada and we are so proud of her over there. It amazed me how Casie ran her barn and was super successful conditioning and training one superstar after another. Coleman won three Little Brown Jugs and was the trainer for many world champions, such as American Ideal, McWicked, Betting Line, Michaels Power, Vegas Vacation, Sportswriter, and Betterthancheddar. Casie is extremely intelligent and one of the smart ones who worked her butt off and was able to retire early in life.

“And then there’s driver Lauren Tritton. Watching her drive is amazing. She looks so relaxed and in control. Lauren runs a barn, drives in the races, and raises a family. She’s not very big in stature but is huge in the bike, even against the best male drivers. Lauren’s always showing the boys that the girls can drive against the best, and win.”

Chappell said she appreciates everyone who has helped her along on her harness racing journey.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with all these great horses, and I also want to thank our owners Bruce Areman and Bill Pollock [Punisher 11 Stable] for without them none of this would have been possible. They have put so much into the business.”

In 2022, Chappell won Outstanding Groom of the Year at the O’Brien Awards. Although this is a huge honor, she considers her biggest accomplishment in life to be her sons, Will and Andy, ages 11 and 13, respectively.