On Saturday, February 24, retired jockey and horse advocate Rosie Napravnik will lead the fourth annual ‘New Vocations Day at the Races’ at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.
A four-time local riding champion, Napravnik played a pivotal role in establishing the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana. She will be live with host Joe Kristufek during the racing day to raise awareness, share success stories, and encourage donations for Thoroughbred aftercare.
“I am excited to be part of our fourth annual New Vocations Day at the Fair Grounds,” Napravnik expressed. “This event has significantly increased awareness among our local horsemen about how New Vocations supports the Louisiana racing community. Our goal is to continue raising funds and awareness to assist more horsemen and horses.”
Recognizing the growing need for expanded Thoroughbred aftercare in Louisiana, Napravnik connected with New Vocations, the largest racehorse adoption program in the country, in 2019. The event, first held at Fair Grounds in 2021, has already garnered over $12,500 in unique donations from fans, industry professionals, horsemen, horse owners, and jockeys.
Rehabilitate, Retrain, Rehome
“New Vocations is an organization that Fair Grounds proudly supports annually,” stated Fair Grounds president Doug Shipley. “Their commitment to rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses is truly commendable. We urge all interested individuals to back this noble cause.”
Owners, jockeys, and trainers can make financial contributions directly to the Louisiana chapter of New Vocations through the horsemen’s bookkeeper. For donations, please contact Emily Miller or Diana Bosco at 504-948-1254.
“As we enter our fifth year, our Louisiana facility continues to flourish, and our team has excelled with every horse in our program,” remarked Anna Ford, New Vocations Thoroughbred program director. “The unwavering support from the Louisiana HBPA has been instrumental in the facility’s success. We are witnessing increased interest from local owners, breeders, and trainers seeking our services and supporting our initiatives.”
“We are thankful to the Fair Grounds for hosting another New Vocations Day at the Races. We aim to further raise awareness about our Louisiana facility and the assistance we provide to the racing community.”
Napravnik, who accumulated 1,878 victories in her ten-year career, retired in 2014 after winning the Breeders’ Cup Distaff with Untapable. She made history in 2012 as the first female rider to win the Kentucky Oaks and repeated the feat two years later with Untapable. Married to trainer Joe Sharp, they have two sons, Carson and Tucker.
Impressed by Success
“I am amazed by the accomplishments of our team at the New Vocations satellite facility in Covington, Louisiana over the past five years and am grateful for the support from LAHBPA and Fair Grounds,” Napravnik expressed.
Apart from raising awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare, Napravnik will provide her race selections through ‘expert picks’ videos on the website and the Twin Spires app, as well as on the simulcast feed.
“During my riding career, I didn’t handicap to pick the winner, but to make my horse the winner,” Napravnik shared. “However, I can offer valuable insights on how each rider might strategize the race and anticipate the pace and trip dynamics. I enjoy handicapping races with Joe to raise awareness and funds for aftercare in Louisiana.”