Page 106 - June 2016

Both Amanda and Russel have the ‘pedigree’ that can account for their interest, and subsequent success, in racing.
Amanda Buchanan Hadley
by Janet VanBebber
This month’s edition features the influence of females in our industry, so we thought it appro- priate to feature up and coming female horse- man, Amanda Buchanan Hadley.
Amanda, a 29-year-old native of Weatherford, Texas, hails from a family that has always been involved in racing.
Her parents, John and Iris Buchanan, have been in the business since 1975. They started in Florida and then went to Louisiana before making Texas their home. Since moving to the Lone Star state 31 years ago, the couple has been blessed with an abun- dance of success, not just in Texas, but in other states as well. Over the years, taking their stable to New Mexico has proven fruitful. There, they’ve graced the winner’s circle for the prestigious All American Futurity with Elans Special, and ran second with Speedy Empress, and twice third with Dont Let Down and Dominyun.
Amanda is quick to credit her mother, Iris, for making sure she had a normal childhood. While John was away with the horses, Iris stayed home with her daughter allowing her to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. She states, “I never missed a band or dance competition, and that’s all on my mom!”
Amanda married jockey Russel Hadley in December of 2009. Like Amanda, Russel comes from a family of horsemen. His parents, Shawn and Anita Hadley, are in California and have long been involved with prominent ranches there. While they have maintained a long presence at Legacy Ranch, many will recall their association with Scane Ranch and
the leading sire Merridoc. Both Amanda and Russel
Amanda and her daughter Brix at the 2016 TQHA banquet
have the ‘pedigree’ that can account for their interest, and subsequent success, in racing. It’s no wonder their daughter Brix, who will be two in October, loves horses so much!
I asked Amanda if being married to a jockey has an impact on her budding career as a trainer. She replied, “It hasn’t thus far. We are fortunate to have such amazing friends in “Bubba” Eddie Lee and Joni Willis. Trainers know that I support Russel’s career 100% and his success is as important as mine!” Note that so far, Amanda is saddling most of her entries at meets separate from where Russel is mounted.
Amanda embarked on her career as a trainer early this year. She had assisted her dad for several years and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with him. Having stayed home much of her childhood, the time shared with him in the barn was valued. Now, she credits his support as a key to her success. Her favor- ite win in this inaugural year has been at Louisiana Downs. “Tommy Bullard brought me Fire On The Fly at Louisiana Downs this year, dropped him off and said, ‘I will see you Saturday!’ Well, anyone who knows Dr. Bullard knows, where that big grey horse goes, Doc goes! He was my second start as a trainer and my first win and stakes win! It was really special that Dr. Bullard had that faith in me. It built my confidence that other people would leave their horses with me and I could have a career in this.”
Even though her quest to win races was met with immediate success, I asked Amanda if she had any hesitation about embarking on this career path. As
a mother, I can relate to some of the challenges our industry presents. Regarding concerns, she told me, “Absolutely! How do you raise a family and move every
A TrAiner’s PersPecTive
104 SPEEDHORSE, June 2016
THE BACKSIDE
Linda earley Photography