Dante Martin didn’t grow up around horses or horse racing in Jamaica, but that all changed after one visit to Woodbine. Two years ago, at his cousin’s urging, Martin made his way to the racetrack – mostly out of curiosity – to see what life was like on the bustling Toronto oval’s backstretch. He certainly didn’t expect that visit would set him on a new path. “My cousin galloped for Martin Drexler, but now he works for Kevin Attard, where he gallops his horses,” said Martin. “In 2024, my cousin brought me to the racetrack. I fell in love with the horses the moment I saw them. I knew right away that I wanted to get more involved.” Not long after his initial visit, Martin was hotwalking for Drexler. “I spoke with the assistant trainer and told them I wanted to learn as much as I could about horses. They are beautiful and so amazing in every way. I started out grooming horses, putting on bandages, feeding them – just taking care of them.” It turned out to be a match made in horse heaven. By the end of each day, Martin learned something new and invaluable about his craft. “I wanted to be educated and to educate myself about the horses. Whenever I was in the barn, I wanted to build my connection with the horses, to know more about their personalities and to show them I care for them. “As time went on, I was given more duties and I liked it. The more I learned, the more I knew it would help me have a deeper bond with the horses I was taking care of. That was very important to me.” This September, Martin moved on to the barn of multiple stakes winning trainer Jamie Begg. Dante Martin It was there where he met Shotgun Wedding, a 3-year-old daughter of Mendelssohn out of the Speightstown mare Reluctant Bride. The Kentucky-bred filly caught Martin’s eye the second he walked down the shedrow. “From the first day, I fell in love with Shotgun Wedding,” said Martin. “For one, she is a smart horse and very confident. She’s just a nice horse.” And a talented one, too. In 13 career starts, the chestnut has a mark of 3-3-3, along with $187,202 in purse earnings. Shotgun Wedding at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) Her most significant win to date came in the Ontario Damsel Stakes on October 11 at Woodbine. “It was unbelievable,” said Martin. “There were so many good horses in that race, and she stayed strong down the lane. I was so happy – she did it. When she came back, I patted her and said, ‘You are my girl.’ I was so happy for her and for the team.” Martin enjoyed every step he and Shotgun Wedding took back to the barn after the winner’s circle photos. “She is so lovely. She knew she had won, and I could feel that. She loves her mints, so I made sure I gave her a few extra ones. She is not a mean horse at all. She likes people and interacting with them. When she hears someone close by, she comes to the front of her stall and looks out. She wants you to come over and give her attention. She wants you to rub her face and spend time with her.” Martin is happy to oblige with every horse in the barn, including the six under his care. “You always want to see the horses do well, but they are like your family, first and foremost. I am always proud of them no matter what.” With the 2025 Woodbine Thoroughbred season wrapping up on December 14, Martin – who lives in one of the backstretch dorms – plans to look for work at a local farm. “I just love being around the horses. Going into the barn each morning and interacting with the horses always makes me happy. Seeing their faces is the best feeling for me. I am so glad that I came with my cousin to the racetrack day. It changed my life, and the horses have changed my life. I am always thinking about them.” As to who is happier to see who, Martin turns to horse racing terminology for his answer. “I guess you could call it a dead-heat,” he said with a laugh. “That is probably the best way to describe it.” Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
