CamHaven Names Former Jockey Boulanger Farm Manager

Stall rest and Gary Boulanger do not go hand in hand.

After announcing his retirement from racing last September, the multiple graded stakes-winning jockey wanted to decompress, mentally and physically, before turning his thoughts to the next chapter in his horse racing career.

One thing, however, was a certainty: he didn’t want to be idle for long.

“I don’t like to sit still much,” said the jockey who amassed 3,685 career wins, 90 of them stakes, over his distinguished career. “That has never been me. I need to be active.”

Eventually, Boulanger’s thoughts turned to his future. He hoped to find something that aligned with his experience and connection to Thoroughbreds.

It was around three weeks ago when he saw the listing, the one seeking a farm manager for CamHaven Farms, a state-of-the-art training, equine rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and fitness development facility located on 50 acres of land in Caledon, Ontario.

When he went to CamHaven and was interviewed by owners Tony and Shirley Camilleri, Boulanger was convinced it was meant to be.

So too were the Camilleris, whose successful Thoroughbred string runs under the same CamHaven Farms name (it was previously known as Malta Manors Stable). Steve Flint is the trainer.

On March 13, CamHaven sent out a release announcing Boulanger would hold the reins as its farm manager.

Part of the release read, “With Gary’s extensive knowledge, professionalism, and expertise, he will be spearheading all aspects of our farm pertaining to rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, breaking young stock, and fitness development for all breeds.”

“It has been amazing,” said Boulanger. “This place is second to none—it’s unbelievable. The barns are gorgeous, there is a covered arena with a great surface, and so much more. Tony and Shirley love their horses and they want them cared for. That is wonderful to see.

“I know it has only been a short time, but from the first day on the job, I knew this was going to be special. I’m grateful to Tony and Shirley for the opportunity. I am happy to be part of the team.”

In Boulanger, CamHaven has a respected and accomplished horseman, who enjoyed great success over a career that included no shortage of highs and lows.

The Alberta native quickly established himself as a talent, winning three straight titles at Longacres (Washington State) and then becoming a top rider in Florida before moving his tack to Woodbine in 2000.

In 2001, he partnered with the great Sam-Son homebred filly Dancethruthedawn to victory in the Queen’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks.

“It is a moment that will always stay with me,” said Boulanger of the Plate score. “If you ask any rider what race they want to win in Canada, that’s the one. It takes a little bit of everything to win it and when you do, it is the greatest feeling.”

Perhaps his biggest personal triumph came in the aftermath of a spill at Gulfstream Park Jan. 30, 2005.

Boulanger suffered fractured ribs, a ruptured spleen, torn elbow tendons, a blood clot, and brain damage that required doctors to remove part of his skull to ease the swelling.

On two occasions, he flatlined on the operating table.

Somehow, Boulanger found his way back into the saddle in 2013.

It came with a new perspective on the industry and its equine athletes.

“I felt more in tune with the horses, having more of a connection with them than I ever had.”

In 2017, Boulanger received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.

The award is given to the person, Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to the sport and is named in memory of one of the sport’s most heralded and loved performers.

“As soon as my husband and I met Gary, we knew he was the leadership that we had been lacking for the past three years,” said Shirley.

Boulanger’s role is not unlike his riding days—early mornings, long hours, and planning out a winning path for each horse.

Just don’t expect Boulanger to get a leg up on the horses who call CamHaven home.

“They have purchased some very nice horses and bred some of their own as well. Someone asked me if I would get on any of them and I told them no. I have had my day and now it’s time to help other riders, to teach them some of the lessons I was taught, and to share my knowledge.

“Helping develop the horses and helping other horse people is what drives me now.”

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.