The definition of key employees is very clear. Oregonian Santa Anita’s executive racing assistant Ami Atkinson has always maintained a positive attitude and has brought undeniable vitality to the racing office of the track. With the Santa Anita Winter/Spring opening race approaching on Saturday, December 26, the racing office of the track is preparing for the opening day race on Monday, December 21.
The mother of two daughters, Ami Atkinson (Ami Atkinson) grew up on a dairy farm east of Portland. He loves racing and is born with the ability to control himself, personality and daily “problems”. Help make her a truly irreplaceable person in the work environment. Responsible for introducing products that drive Santa Anita’s core economic engine.
Ami is headquartered in the Santa Anita Racing Office, next to the racing director and racing secretary Chris Merz. He agreed to conduct a short Q&A last Wednesday.
Q: You grew up on a dairy farm near Portland. How does it feel and how does this experience help you prepare for a racing career?
Answer: I grew up in a boring town in Oregon! I think this has taught me the value of hard work. No matter how tired or sick you are, animals need feed and water. My family worked in a dairy. My father was a large animal veterinarian at the time, so he would tell us what must be done and what to do when he gets home. I never thought it was so difficult, it was just doing what needed to be done.
Question: You often talk about your parents. Are they interested in racing? How much influence did they have on your life?
Answer: My father worked very hard, and he is still working hard to this day. My parents moved to Eastern Texas a few years ago, and now he has only a few breeders and one cow, but he is still working on 400 acres of land. I like to visit them, it is a simple and pleasant life. My father’s brother, Uncle Dallas, is a rebel in this family. He loves horses. He has a beautiful pommel horse, and has trained cutting horses and racing horses, which are played on the Portland grass. In the evening, I started playing mutuel tickets there. This is how I catch racing bugs.
Q: You were the groom and assistant coach about 30 years ago. How did this happen?
Answer: Well, I was chosen by (trainer) Don and Dee Collins (Don and Dee Collins) as a free agent in Vallejo, California. When I was asked if I wanted to go to California, I said, “Yes.” It turned out that (the trainer) was planning to teach me to be a groom in order to pay me. Of course there is no need to pay a lot of bills, so when Don Collins asked me if I wanted a paid job on his pony, I cried in my plainclothes room. Tang trained the Appaloosa at the fair, and then spent the winter with some thoroughbred horses in Phoenix. For the next seven years, I worked for him. I was promoted to a horse and eventually became his assistant coach. Every summer, Tang has nearly 50 horses. We are stationed in one place and then transported to the track to run. I dragged the horse to help run the barn. During my time with Don, I saw the transition from pony to horse racing, and the people and steps needed to achieve this goal at every moment. I am grateful to all those who participated in breeding, developing and training horses on the track. It takes hours, energy and passion to do what you like and have the hope of “this is that”.
Q: In your current position in the racing office, you are truly on the “front line” when interacting with riders, owners, track employees and management. From the early morning run before you enter the stadium, what is a typical working day for Ami Atkinson?
A: I like being on the back very much. Before the COVID era restrictions, I would walk around the barn and provide programs to the trainers who ran that day to see if they needed anything. For me, the back of the racecourse is where the real work is done. Wake up before dawn and see the barn area come alive, there is really something to say. Horses are running on the track and people are joking at work. Then I went to the racing office, which is like any office, but not like any office. I feel very lucky to find a job that I like and some roles that I like to work with. I wear many hats, and there are many people who help me with all the work. We are a team and a family. They work together to ensure the smooth progress of training and competition, and strive to make everyone happy and get the services they need. I like it because every day is different, some days are tiring, but every day is an adventure.
Q: Everyone knows that our industry has experienced a lot of turbulence in the past few years, and Santa Anita has experienced a lot of turmoil. What makes you so optimistic and so positive in your interpersonal relationships?
Answer: I really believe that happiness is a choice. Sometimes it is difficult to find a silver lining, but it is always there. When things get tough or uncomfortable, smiling and friendly words don’t make things worse, so why not?
Question: Your two daughters are an important part of your life, and I know you are proud of them. Tell us what they are going to do and what advice they might have for other working moms on racing.
Answer: I am proud of my girl. My eldest Makenzie, recently graduated from the University of Southern California, did not graduate from this course. She is a very dedicated young woman, and thanks to COVID, she is currently working at home, and I think I got the gift of extra time with her. Sarah is a junior at Monrovia High. She likes to dance shows. She is a gifted rider, and I hope she can have a “normal” high school graduation experience. I think all working mothers are great. This is definitely a balance of narrow beams. It is difficult to leave your children, or miss their games or events in life, so we made a choice. To be successful at work, you must be there and perform well. We just want them to understand that everything we do is to help them live their best lives.
Q: Chris Merz returned to Santa Anita from Maryland. He is now our racing and racing secretary director. Tell us about your relationship and your plans for the upcoming opening day.
A: Chris has known me since he started as a Stakes coordinator a few years ago, and it is great to see him mature into an executive. He returned home from Maryland with a positive attitude and confidence in this plan. This is the fresh air we need. If I sounded like a parent, I would feel like a mom in the racing office, and I can’t wait to see what the New Year brings.
Q: According to estimates, 2020 is a unique year. Do you have any New Year wishes or suggestions to share?
A: I think 2020 will enable us all to find fun in small things. Spend time with your family, go shopping or party on Netflix. I think everyone handles things differently, and I try to spend some extra time with friends to lay the foundation. I think a little kindness will go a long way, and we can all use a little more.
It is recommended that fans can watch the game of Santa Anita live on santaanita.com for free at the special first time of the open day at 11 am on December 26 (Saturday). Fans can watch and place bets on 1ST.com/Bet. For more information, please visit our santaanitaita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
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Post time: Mar-31-2021