Rosie Napravnik and her horse, Sugar. Photo by Megan Stapley.
She may be the #5 jockey on the North American leader board, but this 26-year-old racing phenom can do more than gallop horses around in a circle.
Rosie was a featured guest at this year’s edition of Thoroughbreds For All, the popular OTTB celebration and symposium held in conjunction with Rolex. Rosie is not only a champion jockey — in 2012, she become the first woman in history to win the Kentucky Oaks and broke Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone’s 20-year-standing year-end earnings record — she is an OTTB enthusiast as well.
On Friday evening, Rosie delighted the crowd with a jumping demonstration aboard her own retired racehorse, Sugar, to showcase the versatility and athletic ability of the Thoroughbred.
Megan Stapley of Megan Stapley Photography says she was blown away by Rosie’s own versatility and athleticism. “Rosie Napravnik is more talented than I ever imagined — not only is she an incredibly talented jockey, but that girl can jump!” Megan says. “She brought her horse Sugar, shared the heartwarming story of how she acquired him, and showed us all how talented the two of them are. Oh and did I mention Sugar’s list of injuries, to include still-intact screws? Rosie did a phenomenal job of advocating for the breed, and Sugar demonstrated how resilient OTTBs can be. The Thoroughbreds For All event was a definite must do on our list for future Rolex trips.”
Oh, and one more thing: Rosie expressed an interest in pursuing some eventing in the future. Seeing as she probably has the best galloping position of any female IN THE WORLD, if she ever got out on a cross-country course — watch out!
Photo by Megan Stapley.
Photo by Megan Stapley.
And a snatch of video:
As the announcer mentioned, Rosie will be making a run for the roses this Saturday in the Kentucky Derby aboard Vicar’s in Trouble, winner of the Louisiana Derby earlier this year. Back in her racing silks, she talked racing strategy with The Blood Horse yesterday:
Best of luck to you, Rosie, and remember: Whenever you’re ready, the sport of eventing will welcome you with open arms!
