Brady Galliers: London’s Newest Driver
Meet Brady Galliers - who made the move up, from Ohio, to drive horses in Ontario. (Sugar Doyle Photo)
Brady Galliers shifted his base of operations from Ohio to Ontario, telling Trot Insider (New Faces At Ontario Tracks | Standardbred Canada). recently, that he was looking to increase his workload after a couple of slower winters in the Buckeye state.
"I was kind of bored over the last couple of winters, as far as racing one or two of my own, five days a week (in Ohio)... The money's great, there, but I was bored and wanted more work.”
Galliers’ first Ontario start, at Flamboro on November 26, came aboard a 171/1 longshot in Bargain Bid, for trainer Francis Guillemette, and he made the most of it – finishing fourth – out-racing his long odds in a big way on that occasion.
“The first few weeks have been really good here - as far as meeting people and getting my name out there,” mentions Galliers. “I’m truly enjoying the opportunities and this racing seven days per week - it’s something I’ve missed and I’ve really looked forward to it since moving up.”
Galliers does say that he’s set up in a good location and is ‘pretty handy’ to all the Ontario tracks in play this winter.
“I’m enjoying my time here and I do have hopes that my workload will pick up. I really want to give this a good go and see where it takes me, but so far - it’s been real good and I’m loving most everything about Ontario - except the colder weather. The people have been warm and friendly though.”
Galliers was with us at The Raceway, this past Monday night, for a pair of drives that were on the back half of that program. His first mount would come aboard an 8/1 price player in Lilly Clare, trained by Darryl Laver, who would get away third early. They’d move first-up and pressure the pace through the third quarter and grind down the pacesetter to post a mild upset - returning $18.00 to their backers on a win ticket.
Brady would come right back, the very next race, to drive the filly Justine Ray, for trainer Francis Guillemette. And she’d be in very tough, facing Ladies From Hell (aka The Queen of London), who’d be leaving from the rail… Justine Ray at 17/1 would leave from an outside post and find pylons early to race from third. The filly, with Galliers up, would press on against ‘The Queen’ - using a 28.1 burst, through the third quarter, to eventually get the best of London’s top pacing mare - drawing off to win by four in 1:58 flat - the fastest mile of the night… Another big win price of $36.00 for those that backed London’s newest driver.
“Both horses raced on the front, last week, so I tried a different tactic with them this time around and it worked out very good,” said Galliers. “It was my first time on the Laver mare - so I didn’t know much about her, but we got her away up close and she raced super - considering the winter-like conditions and taking the air down the backside. And Justine Ray - I really like her!” he says. “I drove her poor last time and tried to get away from the field - when we maybe should’ve just waited on them,” he explained. “So this week I wanted to give her a smarter drive and it worked out great. We kept her covered up and when I asked her to go - she had lots of pace and finished up very strong. She is definitely one of my favourites here - thus far... She tries and has a good attitude and she’s only a filly who just beat a very nice mare in that race - so there’s likely a bright future for her going forward.”
Going two-for-two, in the race bike, aboard a pair of longshots - late on a Monday evening in London - must have caught some watching eyes. Galliers next stop, at The Raceway, will see him busier with four drives on Friday and another six mounts on Monday.
Brady Galliers driving and winning in Ohio - 2023. (Brad Conrad Photo)
“I’d like to thank everyone for the support - whether it’s been putting me down to drive or just being friendly in my transition from the states to here in Ontario. And thanks to everyone who has kept in touch, as well, over the last bit. It’s not easy leaving somewhere that you’ve lived your whole life - let alone moving to a different country - but so far I can’t complain, because I’m doing what I love to do. I absolutely love driving and racing horses!”