Our Heritage is with Horses: First Nations Trainer

Gerald (Jerry) Gourneau, also known as Mukaday Maaingan (Black Wolf) from the Horse clan, hails from the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota. Jerry's journey in the world of horse racing began early, influenced by his family's passion for thoroughbred racing.

Jerry earned a Master's degree in Administration from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. His diverse career includes roles as a teacher, administrator, project coordinator, director, and self-employed horse trainer. His love for thoroughbred horse racing and training ignited at 16 when his father, Larry Sr., along with his brothers Bill and Dave Sr., bought their first horse, "Sima’s Award," under the name "Gourneau Brothers Racing."

Racing Achievements and Milestones

Jerry's skills and passion for racing grew as he worked at various racing circuits across the United States and Canada, including Turf Paradise, Delta Downs, Fairgrounds, Sam Houston, Lone Star Park, Century Mile, Fonner Park, and Assiniboia Downs. His dedication to his craft and his community drove him to excel and make his First Nations people proud.

Jerry recently completed three consecutive years as the leading trainer at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, MB, earning purse money of $1,850,050. His first leading trainer title came in 2019, shared with his brother Dave Sr. His most cherished moments in horse racing are those spent with family from Belcourt, ND, and his wife, Lyn Blackburde, from Rainy River Manitou Rapids First Nation in Treaty 3 Ontario.

Jerry's achievements were highlighted in a book published by the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council titled "A History of Excellence: The Untold Stories of Manitoba’s Indigenous Sport 2021," celebrating over 100 Indigenous athletes from Manitoba, Canada.

At the start of the 2023 live thoroughbred racing season, Jerry contemplated retirement. He had just won the 2023 Manitoba Derby with Mano Dura, alongside owner Henry Witt Jr., and was on the brink of a historic fourth consecutive trainer’s title at Assiniboia Downs. In 2018, Jerry, representing Turtle Mountain Chippewa Nation, was the trainers’ champion at the Downs. Another First Nations trainer, Tom Gardipy Jr. from Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, won the title in 2019. Jerry reclaimed the title in 2020, with Gardipy finishing second.

Jerry continued his winning streak, securing the crown in 2021 and 2022, and leading the standings by nine wins in 2023 with just eight nights of racing remaining. Reflecting on his success, Jerry mentioned considering a break due to the stress of managing 50-60 horses in his barn. Instead, he decided to reduce the number of horses but remained committed to competing.

Last year, Jerry sent 288 horses to the gate, finishing with 40 wins, 42 seconds, and 52 third-place finishes, achieving a winning percentage of 14% and an in-the-money mark of 47%. This year, with three weeks left in the 18-week campaign, he started 232 horses with 36 wins, 34 seconds, and 35 third-place finishes, maintaining a winning percentage of 16% and an in-the-money rate of 45%. His only stakes win in 21 starts this season was the $125,000 Manitoba Derby.

Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs, praised Jerry's potential fourth consecutive trainer’s title as a remarkable achievement, considering the depth of the trainer colony at Assiniboia Downs. Jerry's collaboration with committed owner Henry Witt Jr. was also highlighted as a key factor in his success.

Meanwhile, Derby-winning jockey Antonio Whitehall, who rode Mano Dura to victory, was on the verge of claiming his third champion jockey’s crown in the past six years. Whitehall, who began his career in the Bahamas, moved to Winnipeg in 2016 and has since become a prominent figure in Canadian horse racing. Dunn praised Whitehall's focus and determination, noting his significant achievements despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Jerry's accomplishments have brought attention to the community of First Nations thoroughbred horse trainers at Assiniboia Downs. He takes pride in leading a predominantly First Nations team dedicated to horse racing. Jerry emphasized the importance of involving young people in the sport, aiming to pass on his skills and knowledge to the next generation of Indigenous trainers.

As he approaches retirement, Jerry's commitment to mentoring young trainers remains strong. He has hired mostly First Nations individuals to work with his team, creating a family-like environment. His assistant, Jennifer Tourangeau from Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan, shared how working with Jerry's team feels like being with family. Jerry's hope is that young people see horse racing as a viable career option, continuing the tradition of First Nations horse people on the Prairies.