Page 80 - June 2021

Women
IN RACING
by John Moorehouse
“We have some outstanding women in all fields—owners, trainers, jockeys, executives, and office personnel who have done great jobs and set great examples.” – Annelle Reynolds
Contributions from women in the horse racing industry occur both on and off the track. In the past, we have used this
space to spotlight women in the sport such as those working as jockeys or chronicling the exploits of those on the track as pho- tographers. Women also serve a vital role on the administrative side of horse racing. Here we will look at two women currently working in the same role as secretaries of nominations. Patricia Secrist is the secre- tary of nominations at Los Alamitos, while Annelle Reynolds holds that same position at Ruidoso Downs.
It takes all kinds
You run into people from all walks of life in the horse racing world. Reynolds was born and raised in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and has lived there her entire life. Secrist grew up in Switzerland, and moved to the United States when she was 20 years old.
Getting into the business
Likewise, both Secrist and Reynolds followed divergent paths to enter the world of horse racing. Although she grew up around horses on her father’s cattle ranch in Glencoe, New Mexico, Reynolds was looking for a career
Patricia Secrist at Los Alamitos Race Course
78 SPEEDHORSE June 2021
Annelle Reynolds at Ruidoso Downs during the All American Futurity and Derby draw.