FRANKLIN, Ky. – Rosie Napravnik proved she’s a quick study. She rode five winners Wednesday September 18, 2013 at Kentucky Downs, leapfrogging to the top of the jockeys’ standings in her first season at the unique all-turf racetrack.
“That was fun,” the 25-year-old said after riding her last race of the day. “It reminds me of when I was a kid.” She explained that as a youngster she rode horses on the steeplechase circuit, where the course might be undulating and where all the turns aren’t sharply left, much like the course at Kentucky Downs, in other words, but with hurdles.
Napravnik began the day as the fifth leading jockey in North America, her mounts having earned more than $10 million this year. And in terms of victories, she’s the third leading jockey in the country, with 201 wins. But she’s tops at Kentucky Downs, with eight victories after four days of racing.
Napravnik said it took her a few trips around the 1 5/16-mile course to understand its unique features.
“I love it,” she said, adding later, “There’s a dynamic here that takes some time to learn.”
Kentucky Downs set a record September 18, with $2,982,294 in handle from all sources, surpassing by about $100,000 the previous record, set on opening day, September 7. The final race day of the season was Wednesday, September 25, with a special 13-race program.
About Kentucky Downs: Located near the Kentucky-Tennessee border off Interstate 65, Kentucky Downs offers live racing in September, simulcasting seven days a week, pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse races, charitable gaming, dining, and other events.Horse racing has been conducted at the facility since1990, originally called Dueling Grounds Race Course.
Address: 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42135
Website:www.KentuckyDowns.com
(Photo courtesy of Kentucky Downs)
“That was fun,” the 25-year-old said after riding her last race of the day. “It reminds me of when I was a kid.” She explained that as a youngster she rode horses on the steeplechase circuit, where the course might be undulating and where all the turns aren’t sharply left, much like the course at Kentucky Downs, in other words, but with hurdles.
Napravnik began the day as the fifth leading jockey in North America, her mounts having earned more than $10 million this year. And in terms of victories, she’s the third leading jockey in the country, with 201 wins. But she’s tops at Kentucky Downs, with eight victories after four days of racing.
Napravnik said it took her a few trips around the 1 5/16-mile course to understand its unique features.
“I love it,” she said, adding later, “There’s a dynamic here that takes some time to learn.”
Kentucky Downs set a record September 18, with $2,982,294 in handle from all sources, surpassing by about $100,000 the previous record, set on opening day, September 7. The final race day of the season was Wednesday, September 25, with a special 13-race program.
About Kentucky Downs: Located near the Kentucky-Tennessee border off Interstate 65, Kentucky Downs offers live racing in September, simulcasting seven days a week, pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse races, charitable gaming, dining, and other events.Horse racing has been conducted at the facility since1990, originally called Dueling Grounds Race Course.
Address: 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42135
Website:www.KentuckyDowns.com
(Photo courtesy of Kentucky Downs)
