Retired jockey and Thoroughbred aftercare advocate Rosie Napravnik will return to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Saturday, Jan. 3 to lead the sixth annual “New Vocations Day at the Races.”
A four-time local riding champion who was instrumental in the opening of the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana, Napravnik will join the Fair Grounds’ broadcast team to help build awareness, promote success stories, provide adoption options, and inspire donations for Thoroughbred aftercare.
“I am very proud to be part of the sixth annual New Vocations Day at Fair Grounds,” Napravnik said. “To my knowledge, there isn’t another racetrack in the country that dedicates an entire racing day to aftercare initiatives. I’m incredibly grateful to the Fair Grounds and the New Vocations staff for their efforts, on-air host Joe Kristufek in particular. He’s personally invested and goes above and beyond to make this day special.”
Recognizing the need for expanded Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives in Louisiana, Napravnik reached out to New Vocations, the largest racehorse adoption program in the country, in the fall of 2019. The organization welcomed Napravnik’s involvement, and together they have fueled the success and continued growth of the Covington facility.
“Our mission is to raise awareness,” Napravnik said. “Louisiana horsemen, at the end of their careers, we are here locally to serve your horses in aftercare. Raising funds to support this initiative is also important. We appreciate the support from the entire industry—the jockeys to the owners, to the racing fans. Every little bit helps. The New Vocations satellite program in Covington, Louisiana, has been a massive success. I’m super excited that New Vocations’ program director Anna Ford will be joining us this year to help us celebrate that progress.”
New Vocations is making it easier than ever to donate. Racehorse owners, jockeys, and trainers can contribute financial donations to the Louisiana chapter of New Vocations directly through the horsemen’s bookkeeper. Donations are also accepted through Venmo @newvocations and through the New Vocations website at newvocations.org/donate. Click the button with Rosie’s picture in the top row to complete the process.
“We have an incredible team working with the horses, and the support from the Louisiana HBPA has been instrumental to our success,” Ford said. “We are thrilled to see an increasing number of owners and breeders reaching out to utilize our services. We are very grateful to the Fair Grounds for hosting another New Vocations Day at the Races, and we hope this event will continue to raise awareness about our Louisiana facility and the services we offer to the racing community.”
Napravnik, who won 1,878 races during her 10-year career, retired in 2014 following her Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) win with Untapable. In 2012, she became the first female rider to capture the Kentucky Oaks (G1), guiding Believe You Can to victory, and she won the race again just two years later with Untapable. She is married to trainer Joe Sharp, and together they have two sons, Carson and Tucker.
“Rosie has always been one of our favorites,” said Fair Grounds Senior Director of Racing Jason Boulet. “When she came to us with the concept for holding this event at Fair Grounds six years ago, we didn’t blink. We are proud to serve as a vessel for raising awareness and donations for racehorse aftercare. These horses give so much on the track, when they retire from racing, it’s our chance to give back to them.”
In addition to serving as co-host alongside John G. Dooley for the “Fair Grounds Today” broadcast and Joe Kristufek for the simulcast show, Napravnik will also provide “expert picks” selections and videos for TwinSpires—accessible through their website and mobile app.
“During my riding career, I never handicapped to pick the winner, I handicapped to make my horse the winner,” Napravnik said. “But there’s a lot of insight I can give on how each of the riders could see the race unfolding and how it might play out from a pace and trip perspective. I truly enjoy being on the show and handicapping the races with Joe, so it will be another fun and exciting day as we raise awareness and funds for aftercare in Louisiana!”
Fans can visit with Napravnik at the television set on the third floor of the grandstand, near the far turn. For a suggested $10 donation to New Vocations, Napravnik will sign a personalized 8-by-10 photo, courtesy of Hodges Photography.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
