The Gilkyson Legacy Continues
The name Gilkyson has echoed across Alberta racetracks for the better part of six decades—announced in winner’s circles and etched into the fabric of the province’s racing history. When Don Gilkyson retired in 2018, there was little doubt about who would carry the torch forward: his shadow on the backstretch and granddaughter, Ashley Gilkyson.
Ashley quite literally grew up in the barn. From the backstretch at Stampede Park to Northlands Park, she spent her childhood watching her grandfather’s meticulous care for horses. Meanwhile, her father, Ken, worked alongside the industry as a jockey’s agent, surrounding Ashley with the rhythm and reality of racing life from an early age.
Don trained many exceptional horses throughout his career, with Chilcoton Blaze standing out as a fan favorite among many. Yet, beyond the wins and accolades, it’s easy to imagine that some of his proudest moments came from watching a young Ashley. She would carefully bandage and tend to her broom horses—already showing the dedication that would define her future.
Today, Ashley is building her own chapter of the family legacy. Managing a stable of eight, she wasted no time finding her way to the winner’s circle. In 2019, she saddled her first horse—and her first winner—Little Rosalyn. Affectionately known as “Rosie,” the mare was Ashley’s first purchase from the CTHS Yearling Sale, owned in partnership with her mother, Melissa.
Now a third-generation Alberta horsewoman, Ashley embodies the qualities that defined those before her: professionalism, composure under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the horses in her care. With each race, she continues to honor the Gilkyson name—while confidently making it her own.
