Shelley Brown: A True Source of Inspiration

Just weeks ago, the racing world lost an extraordinary figure when Shelley Brown, at the age of 52, passed away. However, her impact will echo forever through the grandstands and backstretch of Assiniboia Downs. 

A Trailblazer in Horse Racing

As the first woman to secure the leading trainer title outright at the iconic track, Shelley’s trailblasing career and unwavering spirit remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Hailing from Saskatchewan, Shelley’s passion for horses began during childhood, fuelled by family outings to the racetrack. By 19, she left her hometown and headed to Alberta to work as a groom, immersing herself in the art and hard work of horse care. From her earliest days in the stalls, her natural affinity for the sport shone brightly.

In 2009, Shelley ventured into the world of training independently. Starting with a modest stable of six horses, her reputation grew rapidly as owners recognised how her horses thrived under her meticulous care. It wasn’t long before her operation expanded to 45 horses, a testament to her skill and dedication.

The pinnacle of Shelley’s career came in 2012 when she shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to claim the leading trainer title at Assiniboia Downs. Competing in a sport largely dominated by men, her relentless work ethic set her apart. Her days often began at 3 a.m. and stretched past midnight, ensuring each horse under her care was nurtured to peak performance. Over her career, Shelley’s horses ran 2,656 times, amassing 409 wins, 416 second-place finishes, and 423 third-place finishes, earning a remarkable $4,303,425 in total prize money. Among her many champions, Golden Stripe, her top-earning mare, and stars like Cash Or Card, Can’t Use Nellie, and Stevie Mac left lasting marks on the sport. Yet, it was Real Grace who gave Shelley her most profound victory.

A Victory of Resilience

On September 27, 2020, Real Grace delivered a career-defining win by clinching the Grade 3 Canadian Derby. For Shelley, the moment was deeply personal. Just weeks earlier, she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer after what she believed to be a shoulder injury turned out to be a life-altering prognosis. Doctors predicted only months to live, but Shelley was determined to fight.

Unable to attend the race in person, she watched from her hospital bed as Real Grace, an 18-1 underdog, surged to the lead and held on to win by a neck. That victory was more than just a professional milestone—it became a symbol of resilience.

 “That Derby race was a huge contributor for me to dig in and keep going. He dug in, and so have I,” she later said.

Shelley tried everything to beat the cancer — chemo, alternative treatments, special diets — anything she could find, but her best medicine was her attitude. “Attitude will get you more than medicine,” she said.

Despite her illness, Shelley continued to show up, training her horses and supporting her racing family until the very end. Her grit, grace, and indomitable spirit earned her not just victories on the track but the admiration and love of an entire community.

A Legacy of Grit and Grace

For those still standing in the "grandstand of life," Shelley’s journey serves as a profound lesson in perseverance, passion, and the deep bond between a horseperson and their animals. Her legacy reminds us that being a true horseperson is about dedication, resilience, and unconditional love for the sport and its stars.

Shelley Brown’s life was a testament to living with purpose and passion—right up to her last photo finish.