Beatrice White, 32, departed from her position last autumn with renowned conditioner Todd Pletcher to inaugurate her own training venture. A native of the United Kingdom, White briefly participated in racing as a jockey before transitioning to roles as an exercise rider, foreman, and assistant during her seven-year tenure with Pletcher. She also acknowledges the influence of the esteemed Sir Henry Cecil, a prominent figure in international training until his passing in 2013.
White’s operation began with a modest number of horses, including On Command, who secured her inaugural career victory (the Omaha Beach filly was also the first horse she presented) on December 1 at Aqueduct and her initial stakes win in the May 4 License Fee Stakes. By early June, White managed a growing stable of 30 horses, encompassing a considerable number of 2-year-olds. She establishes her base at Saratoga Race Course during the summer months.
As of June 30, White’s record stood at 8-8-9 from 43 career starts, demonstrating a winning percentage of 19%.
White’s responses have been revised for clarity and brevity.
BloodHorse: To what extent did you consider the decision to leave the Pletcher establishment, and how did you mentally prepare for this transition?
Beatrice White: I would say that training is something I’ve always aspired to do. It was a concept that lingered in my thoughts. It was imperative to establish a definitive timeline and adhere to it; this was crucial for me. I was fortunate (in Pletcher’s barn) – I was entrusted with a quality horse (for exercise) each year. The allure of remaining for the subsequent one was ever-present. I engaged in a formal discussion with Todd approximately two years before my departure, not to announce my departure, but to seek his perspective on the matter.
Todd serves as a remarkable mentor to numerous individuals. Prior to my departure, he provided guidance on the optimal timing and location for establishing my operation, as well as the fundamental principles for achieving the objective of training. (As a component of this mentorship), he aided me in comparing condition books and would (test) my rationale for selecting that (hypothetical) placement.
BH: What prompted your decision to launch your career in New York?
BW: This was another topic of discussion with Todd. It pertained more to the timing of establishing my stable. My intention was to commence operations in November. I was disinclined to start in March with exclusively 2-year-olds and no active runners. We concurred that November would be an opportune time to begin with a selection of older horses. Alternatively, I could have ventured to Florida and competed against Todd and Chad (Brown), as well as other leading trainers who migrate to Florida for the winter, so I ultimately opted for New York during the winter season.
Despite the frigid temperatures and elevated expenses, it proved to be a logical choice. New York during the winter months remains a prominent circuit that garners attention. My ambition is to eventually establish a presence in both New York and Kentucky.
BH: What insights did you gain from your time working for Pletcher and Cecil?
BW: Work ethic. Dedication to the barn if this is your true ambition, which is my sole focus. I have no external pursuits. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly. Cleanliness within the barn. I place significant emphasis on maintaining a pristine barn. When owners visit, I desire it to be impeccably clean. Both Todd and Henry excelled in this aspect. I recall during my initial week at Henry’s yard, one of the head lads instructing me, ‘If you observe a (pitchfork) out of its designated position, it is your responsibility to relocate it.’
BH: Which horse did you most enjoy riding for Pletcher?
BW: There were probably two. Life Is Good and Malathaat. I was privileged to accompany Life Is Good on his travels extensively. Wherever he competed, I was present. Consequently, I believe he would be the foremost in my memory. Malathaat belonged to Adele (Bellinger) in Saratoga and Florida, and I would ride her at Belmont Park and in Kentucky.
BH: You mentioned having a notable number of 2-year-olds in the barn.
BW: It is undoubtedly exhilarating to welcome the 2-year-olds and ascertain which ones will necessitate additional development, which ones will be (precocious), and their preferred running surface. I derive pleasure from training horses of all ages, but when 2-year-olds initially arrive and you are evaluating them, their trajectories are entirely dependent on you. Their careers rest solely on your shoulders.
BH: Upon relocating from Belmont Park to Saratoga for the summer, did you reflect on your previous experience there, when you were an employee, in contrast to your current role as the supervisor?
BW: Initially, I lacked the time for contemplation, as 30 horses were arriving, and the priority was to settle them in. However, during my commute (two days later) at 4:30 in the morning, as I drove past and observed the track, I was overwhelmed by a sense of surrealism. I recall my initial arrival at Belmont as an exercise rider for Todd, and the accompanying sentiment of awe, ‘Oh, my God, this is an extraordinary place.’ And now, realizing that I am here with a stable of 30 horses, with my nameplates displayed outside, is profoundly gratifying to me. I am exceptionally proud of reaching this juncture.
Someone inquired, ‘How does it feel now that you’re training?’ I responded, ‘In all honesty, it feels analogous, as I perform the same duties as when I was employed by Todd.’ I (arrive) at the same time as when I worked for Todd. The sole distinction is that my nameplates are affixed outside the stalls. I do not deviate from the practices I adhered to while working there. As an assistant, you are granted considerable autonomy in managing the barn. My morning routine remains identical, except that I am now the supervisor.
BH: What aspect of being a trainer has surprised you the most?
BW: Checks. I used to anticipate Fridays (payday) with enthusiasm, but now Fridays are my least favored day of the week. It seems as though I am perpetually writing checks, checks, checks. While it is undoubtedly advantageous to operate your own business, one fails to fully comprehend the volume of (outgoing payments) and the exorbitant costs associated with everything. However, this is an inherent aspect of the profession.
BH: Over the past several months, you’ve achieved numerous milestones – your inaugural winner, your first stakes winner, a full stable. What are your aspirations for the remainder of 2025?
BW: To continue winning races. The subsequent objective would be to secure a graded stakes victory. The ultimate aspiration would be to qualify one of my 2-year-olds for the Breeders’ Cup this autumn. That would constitute a commendable objective. And, ideally, to possess some promising 3-year-olds in the coming year.
