Amanda Fine is chasing her dreams

by Victoria Howard

Trainer Amanda Fine is living the dream. Following in her father, trainer Marty Fine’s footsteps, the 27-year-old Ontarian is making quite a name of her own. You can say Amanda is sort of “the new kid on the block.” Since she went on her own in 2019, Amanda has been a force to be reckoned with.

But this passion isn’t new to Amanda. Ever since she was 2 years old, she would rather spend time in a barn than doing what most other youngsters do at that age — such as playing with dolls or toy horses. Amanda had “real” horses to play with.

During his career, her father Marty had a lot of success as a standardbred trainer and now his pride and joy is making him one proud dad.

When she got older, Amanda took the valuable advice that her father gave which was, “Never question anything, just sit and watch,” and she not only listened but she ran with it. And It’s definitely paying off, for as of the time of the writing of this story, Amanda’s stable is “red hot,” for in 12 starts, her four-legged kids have won nine times. Quite an accomplishment for a veteran trainer, let alone a newbie.

But her father wasn’t the only parent in the sport, as Amanda’s mother, Van Till, was also involved. Although Van wanted her daughter to go to college and get an education like most parents do, Amanda opted to make a career in what she loved the best, working with standardbreds.

Right after graduating from high school Amanda worked alongside her father, until deciding to spread her wings and go out on her own. And it has paid off.

Today, Amanda is traveling from track-to-track to race her horses, competing at Tioga, Mohegan Sun Pocono and when she goes back home to Canada she races at Mohawk.

Call it a coincidence or fate, but Taylor Lane Action was the first horse Amanda got to paddock for her father and years later Taylor’s son, PL Ozzy would be in Amanda’s barn.

Today, among the seven horses in her stable, there are several superstars, such as High Voltage Deo, Lou’s Sassin and Eternally Hanover.

“I have owned High Voltage Deo and Eternally Hanover since they were 2-year-olds and I am so proud of both of them,” Amanda said.

Her all-time favorite racehorse is Alexa’s Jackpot, whom Amanda took care of since he was a 3-year-old.

“’Alexa’ is now 14-years-old and although he is retired from racing, the big boy still loves to hit the trails for an adventure,” Amanda said. “He was the first horse I truly bonded with and taught me so much. We created wonderful memories together and I will forever be grateful.

“He was my first horse that I took care of that won in 1:48. He was always up to share whatever snacks I brought that day for lunch. Pepperoni pizza and mozzarella sticks were his favorite.

“My father really trained him and I was his personal caretaker. Alexa took me on some adventures as we traveled to Lexington and other tracks. Jackpot is tattooed on my body, for he’s a once in a lifetime horse.”

Whether racing in Pennsylvania or New York, Amanda has her go-to drivers.

“I own percentages of the horses in my barn and race mostly at Pocono or Tioga, using Matt Kakaley or George Napolitano,” she said.

The fastest horses Amanda has trained would be High Voltage Deo or PL Ozzy.

“Mowgli got me my first ever track record in a stake event and Top Hill was just so tough and honest on the racetrack who took a mark of 1:52 before heading to the breeding shed,” she said. “PL Ozzy won my first race at The Meadowlands for me. It was so exciting and we were all beyond thrilled.”

Amanda has learned about the business working alongside her father.

“He taught me so much, but the greatest gift of all was being able to enjoy it with him together,” she said. “It’s a passion we both share, and we are blessed at doing it together. Both my father and mother are my biggest supporters and I could not ask for better people beside me.

“Winning is the ultimate goal, but winning with the people you love is an even bigger satisfaction.”

Amanda is hoping to someday be listed in the class of her favorite female horse trainers, such as fellow Canadian Casie Coleman or Nancy Takter.

“As a young child, I grew up admiring Casie,” Amanda said. “Her success is amazing, but most of all [I admire] the care and true love she has for her horses. I respect and look up to her so much.

“And Nancy is another female trainer I admire. I think she’s phenomenal and enjoy following her success on the Grand Circuit. To be able to share her success with her family is for sure something I hope to share with my family one day.

“The industry is so mentally and physically demanding, but watching the success of Nancy and Casie is something that keeps me going.”

Amanda is happy with how her stable has started their 2024 season and definitely has goals for the future.

“I am hoping to expand my stable and keep chasing my dreams and passion for the horses and perhaps someday be in the same league as my idols Casie and Nancy,” she said. “And, of course, to continue making my parents proud of me in the sport.”