Horsepower fuels Sabrina Pelletier’s world

by Chris Lomon

Sabrina Pelletier’s journey in the standardbred industry began in the stalls, but it would ultimately take her farther than she ever imagined.

While most of her friends were enjoying the freedom and carefree moments that come with weekends, a then 12-year-old Pelletier was busy working in the barn of trainer Daniel Martin.

Glamorous, it was not.

But for a young, hard-working preteen, the job put money in her pocket and, perhaps most importantly, introduced her to an unexpected connection.

“Cleaning stalls was my first job,” Pelletier said. “He was the one who introduced me to the world of harness racing. I didn’t even know it existed before I started working there.”

Every week she spent in the barn seemed to bring new opportunities and firsts. With each passing day, Pelletier’s connection with the Martin horses grew stronger.

Even when she was away from the barn, her thoughts remained with the pacers and trotters.

Eventually, the weekend job became a full-time role.

“I learned different aspects of the job, including how to harness and jog horses,” she said. “That’s how my passion for racing began to grow.”

Her dedication did not go unnoticed in Quebec racing circles.

In 2023, Pelletier received the Groom of the Year award in recognition of her efforts working for Daniel Martin, Haras De l’Estrie, and the duo of Guy and William Roy.

One year later, a bay son of Sportswriter would become her heart horse.

Bred by Louis Frederic Giroux, Bernard, now 3, began his racing career in 2025 under trainer Guy Roy.

Pelletier had developed a bond with the horse, who sports a white right hind ankle, well before his first race.

On Nov. 11, 2024, Pelletier and Yvon Genereux became co-owners of the pacer.

“Bernard is my favorite horse,” Pelletier said. “He is very special to me because I’ve watched him grow up alongside us. He is much more than a racehorse to me; he is a member of our family.”

He is also indisputably talented.

Last September, Bernard completed a sweep of the Coupe de l’Avenir for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Hippodrome 3R in Trois-Rivières, QC.

“What I’m most proud of so far is undoubtedly Bernard’s victory in the 2025 Coupe de l’Avenir,” Pelletier said. “It was an incredible source of pride for me, especially because I’ve watched him grow up alongside us and know all the hard work and emotions behind that achievement.

“It’s a moment I will always cherish. It may be the kind of victory you only get to experience once in your lifetime, and I’m truly grateful to have shared that experience with him.”

Bernard won his first six races by a combined margin of more than 23 lengths and remained undefeated through his first seven starts.

“It’s hard to put into words the bond we share and how much he means to me,” Pelletier said. “He has given me so many unforgettable moments filled with emotion and pride. The connection I have with him is truly unique.”

Pelletier also cherishes the other connections she has made throughout her career.

“I would definitely say that race days are the best part of my job,” she said. “Every horse is different, and I enjoy taking the time to give each one the care and attention that they need.”

She also appreciates every opportunity to become a vocal cheerleader when her horses take to the track.

“It’s hard to describe all the emotions I feel,” she said. “I’m excited, happy, and nervous all at the same time. There is so much pride in watching the horses you care for perform on the track.

“I’m always happy to see them give it their best, and when they win, it makes the moment even more special. Every race brings its own emotions.”

Having to bid farewell to some of those familiar faces is, admittedly, the most challenging aspect of her job.

“The hardest part for me is having to see some horses leave the farm for a new home or a new career,” Pelletier said. “When you care for them every day and become attached to them, they eventually become part of your life. It’s never easy to say goodbye to horses you love and have built a special bond with.”

Outside the racing world, Pelletier is still involved with horsepower, albeit in a very different way.

“I also work as a service advisor at Honda,” she said. “Horses and my job at Honda are both a big part of my life. They are truly my two passions and the two worlds that make up my everyday life.

“I also enjoy Western riding and going on trail rides whenever I get the chance.”

Pelletier also has a particular racetrack on her bucket list.

“I would really love to visit Meadowlands Racetrack one day,” she said. “I believe it’s a place you have to experience at least once in your life when you share this passion. It would be a truly special experience for me.”

For now, the award-winning Pelletier will continue to focus on the horses under her care.

And just as she has done since the beginning of her racing career, she will draw on the early lessons she learned from horses as she continues along her path.

“I love taking care of the horses every day,” she said. “I love spending time with them, getting to know their individual personalities, and giving each of them special attention.”