MacKenzie Kiel is ‘Queen of the amateurs’
by Victoria Howard
Mackenzie Kiel has a lot to look forward to. At only 29 years old, she owns, breeds, and trains standardbreds, and has recently added driver to her resume.
In fact, on May 8, Kiel had a night she will always remember for she had her first driving double, with Captain Terminator and Don’t Freak Out, thus she was dubbed by fellow horsewomen as the “Queen of the Amateurs.”
Racing mainly at Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs, presently Kiel runs a stable of five.
She has been operating her own stable for the last 10 years, but harness racing and standardbreds were nothing new to her.
Her uncle Jay (Ed Gannon, Jr.) and grandmother, Barbara Gannon are the main people who got Kiel involved in the sport, which became her career after graduating from high school.
On Kiel’s mother’s side of the family, her grandfathers, uncles and cousins were all involved in the sport, so it was no surprise when Kiel followed in their footsteps. Or should I say hoof steps.
“I’ve had horses all my life, but mostly riding horses,” Kiel said. “I got involved in the business about 11 years ago when I started working with my uncle. That was it. I was hooked and never looked back.
“I was born in Easton, MD, but now reside in Denton, MD. My horses are stabled at my farm in Denton and race mostly in Maryland.”
What has been your most memorable time racing horses?
“That would have to be the night my horse, Derby Dog Hanover won in 1:51. He was the first horse that my partner and I bought together, and he is so special to us. We scraped every penny we could to purchase him.
“At first, he was a little nutty and could be a handful in the race. At the time we bought him he was a 4-year-old and I believe he ended that year with eight wins.
“He has since calmed down a bit and last year I took him to the Fredrick Fair to drive. I ended up getting two wins with him which were my first winning drives.
“He is now the family pet, and my wife told me we can never sell him. To date he got us over 29 wins.”
What is the biggest race you have won?
“Although it was not a major race, I won an open at Ocean Downs with ‘Derby Dog.’ To most horsemen that may not seem like a big thing but to me it was a milestone.”
Is there one special night of racing that you will always remember?
“It was on March 6, 2026. That was the night I got my first pari-mutuel win as a driver. It was at Rosecroft Raceway, and I was driving Captain Terminator. I had the seventh [post] position and got away eighth. I pulled at the half with cover and won by a head in 1:57.2.
“Two races later I was driving Derby Dog Hanover and finished second by a head. I was on cloud nine and that night will always be special.”
Do you breed horses?
“I just bred a mare, so I am looking forward to her foaling next year. At this stage I am not heavily involved in the breeding business, but this is a start. We will see where it goes.”
Besides the anticipation of the foal, I hear there will be another blessing soon coming your way.
“Yes. A double blessing. My wife is pregnant with our first baby that is due this July. She has always loved animals but knew nothing about horses until she met me.
“I have taught her a lot about the business and occasionally she will come to the track and helps.”
Women drivers have come a long way and today there are a lot of females involved in the sport: from drivers, trainers, grooms, owners, and veterinarians. Is there anyone in particular you look up to?
“I think more and more women are getting involved and even becoming drivers. We have at least three young women in Maryland who drive regularly in the amateur races. At the fairs we’ve had ‘Powder Puff’ races with as many as 10 gals driving that day.
“I’d like to see more of the females in the sport start driving. We are not shy and frightened. I believe that we can give the men a run for their money.
“In the past, harness racing once had a woman driver named Bea Farber who was as good as any male driver. Today we have an incredible young woman named Lauren Tritton who is beating the men at the best tracks in major races. I truly admire her. One day I hope I can be mentioned in the same way as she is. She is fearless, game, and not afraid to take on the boys.”
Is there anyone you would like to thank for your success?
“Yes. I want to thank my two biggest supporters: my mother Susan Gannon and my wife Kristen.
“Also, I’d like to give some of the girls at my home track a big shout out for being so encouraging when I was thinking about getting my driver’s license and always hyping me up before and after the race, no matter where I may finish.”
