Brittany T. Russel

Brittany Russell, who launched her training operation in 2018 and since that time has won almost 400 races, has one of the largest stables in Maryland with a presence at Laurel Park and the Fair Hill Training Center. She also had a string this year at Delaware Park, where she was second in the trainer standings as the meet approached its conclusion.

Brittany in 2022 won 100 races, and her horses earned more than $4.3 million. As of mid-October she was well ahead of both of those numbers for 2023. She won her first Grade I stakes this year—the Carter Handicap in New York—with Doppleganger, who is owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable and Siena Farm.

Her introduction to horses came at a young age while working at local farms while growing up in Peach Bottom, Pa. After a brief stint riding in amateur races she turned to training and worked for the late Jonathan Sheppard, a member of the Hall of Fame; Brad Cox; Jimmy Jerkens; and Ron Moquett. Since her initial training victory in the winter of 2018 at Laurel, she has won several meet training titles in Maryland.

Brittany and her husband, jockey Sheldon Russell, have two children, daughter Edy and son Rye. She credits her staff and her many owners that provide her operation with quality stock for her stable’s success.

“At the end of the day you look at the quality of the stock that we have and I feel like each year it’s gotten a little better.” Brittany said. “You see some of the horses we have in the barn, and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. We’re trying to find those good ones and win races with them and hopefully we can keep our clients happy and buying good horses and get them to the winner’s circle.”