Sean Lewis Brings Joy – and Dance Moves – to the Woodbine Winner’s Circle

Sean Lewis has all the right moves when it comes to Woodbine winner’s circle photos.

It’s always a picture-perfect moment – the one when the beaming groom breaks into an impromptu series of dance moves just as track photographer Mike Burns prepares to capture the victorious horse and its happy connections.

“I love to dance,” said Lewis. “Every time we win a race, I have to dance. Racing is a fun sport. We have to showcase racing and how amazing it is. I will hear people say, ‘That guy who likes to dance won a race today. Did you see him?’ I get that a lot.”

His celebrations have become a signature sight.

“Whenever I win, I am just happy. It is a joyful feeling. People actually look for me to do that – agents, jockeys, exercise riders, trainers – and it is an uplifting feeling for me. Mike asks me if I’m going to dance and he gets a big smile when I do. He has taken a lot of photos of me with my feet or one foot off the ground.”

Horses swept Lewis off his feet in more ways than one the moment he began working as a groom.

His connection to Thoroughbreds began through a long-time friend who worked in the barn of Woodbine-based trainer John Ross.

“I was working at one of the old terminals at (Toronto Pearson) airport,” recalled Lewis. “When they decided to tear that terminal down, the company I was working for was making some changes. So, I took the year off because I didn’t want to work in the new terminal.

“During that time, my friend, who was working for John Ross, told me to look for work as a groom. I had never been around horses before. I had come to the track a few times and made a few wagers here and there. So, I came to work for John Ross and started my horse racing career with him.”

From there, Lewis went on to work with several outfits, including Franz Crean, Steve Roberts, Nancy Triola, Mike MacDonald, Laurie Silvera, and Rodney Barrow.

Though his original plan had been to stick with one trainer, the winding road he took turned out to be the perfect path.

“When I started, I always told myself that I wanted to work for one trainer. But as you work, you realize that every trainer does things differently and you learn so much more through those experiences. I would not have learned what I have if it weren’t for those opportunities. You learn so much along the way. And the trainers trust you more.”

Now working in the barn of trainer Terry Brooker, Lewis currently cares for six horses, including Alzado, a 3-year-old son of Air Force Blue.

Unraced at two, the dark bay needed time and patience.

Enter Lewis.

“I love this horse. When he came in, he was big, but he was a little skittish. I had to work with him because I wanted him to know he was safe with me and that I would take care of him. I would come to his gate, and he would back up – he wouldn’t allow you to touch him. That’s what he would do as a baby.

“Now, when I arrive in the morning and I am mucking his stall, he rests his head on my shoulder. He is just a gentle giant. You just have to show him that you love him.”

That caring, father-figure approach is one Lewis developed years ago – and it continues to serve him well.

“I used to have a lot of babies when I worked at Laurie Silvera’s barn, so I was gentle with them because that’s what they need. Most of the babies I get, by the time they turn three, I am their parent.”

Despite the early mornings and the hard work involved in caring for half a dozen horses, Lewis is deeply grateful for the life he’s built in horse racing – a career that came as an unexpected but welcome surprise.

When his alarm rings at 3:15 a.m., he’s already smiling.

“I get into the barn around 4. I do my morning feed, do my buckets, my feed tubs and muck my stalls. I want to enjoy what I am doing and I truly am. I don’t want to be uptight when I come to work. I want to have fun. And I do.

“It’s a unique experience to be outside and to be around beautiful animals. It is an interesting job. Most people here do it because they love it. We have mechanics, plumbers, roofers – people who have other skills but love being around horses, so they are here. It is a wonderful place.”

Lewis is always eager to share that joy with others.

“I go to the bank and the people who work there would ask what I do. When I tell them, they have a great reaction. I want to promote racing. I have spoken to a lot of people about what I do. I give them my number and tell them to come out and see these beautiful horses. I want people to experience that joy.”

Something the dancing groom knows all about.

Chris Lomon, Woodbine