By: Aubrie Green
In a predominantly male industry, an up-and-coming trainer is making waves at Turf Paradise. Jaymie Pearman Cruz began training horses of her own under the wing of her mother at only 17-years-old. When she was 20, she decided it was time to leave the nest and took out her own trainer’s license. In May of 2022, she made her first start as a licensed trainer, winning one at Hastings with a horse named The All Button, and followed her maiden victory with two more consecutive wins.
Jaymie Pearman Cruz, nine years old paddocking for the first time.
Cruz grew up around the racetrack in Vancouver and got her groom’s license at the age of nine. When she was 15, she obtained her exercise license, but shortly after decided she had her sights set on training. In 2019, she got her first taste of success with a gelding called Metal Magic, who was trained under her mother’s license. Jaymie recounts the event, stating that she expected Metal Magic to finish 3rd or 4th. “When he crossed the wire with his nose in front it was a feeling of just pure joy… I will never forget it. It was definitely one of the happiest days of my life.”
Turning just 23-years old today (April 26th), Cruz credits her success thus-far to the prioritized care she provides to her horses. She explains that she doesn’t cut any corners in an attempt to save money. “I prioritize my horses’ happiness, health, and soundness. I’m at the barn pretty much all day, every day. I spend my time making sure each horse is training how they should and is 100% going into races.”
Jaymie Pearman Cruz
Photo Credit: Genie Mittleider
After her debut meet at Hastings ended, Cruz loaded up her horses and moved her barn to Turf Paradise where she had a handful of wins in the 2022-2023 winter meet, followed by a meet at Emerald Downs where her winning continued.
At Turf Paradise Cruz’s success continues to soar. She certainly made a statement last week as she finished with three entries and three winners. “Being a 22-year-old girl and trying to compete in the business as a trainer is difficult. This sport is very heavily male dominated. Trying to get respect from other people in the business is a challenge; from other trainers, to jockey agents, jockeys, and owners. I’ve had to work hard for any ounce of respect I’ve gotten. It’s been tough.”
Despite the difficulties of being a female trainer in this male dominated field, Cruz has proved her ability as a trainer as well as her excellent horsemanship, from the meticulous care she provides her equine athletes to the intelligence and accuracy of her training program, her results speak louder than any words can, and her respect has certainly been earned. She currently has 38 career starts with 13 wins and winning at 50 percent to start 2024.
Happy Birthday Jaymie Pearman Cruz from your husband Alex Cruz and Horse Racing Today!
Jaymie and Alex Cruz – Photo Provided by: Jaymie Pearman Cruz
