Napravnik, a four-time local equitation champion who was instrumental in the opening of the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana, will join the Fair Grounds broadcast team to raise awareness, promote success stories, provide adoption opportunities and inspire donations for Thoroughbred aftercare.
“I am very proud to be part of the sixth annual Day of New Vocations at Fair Grounds,” said Napravnik. “To my knowledge, there is no other race track in the country that dedicates an entire race day to aftercare initiatives. I am incredibly grateful to the Fair Grounds and the New Vocations staff for their efforts, especially announcer Joe Kristufek. He has personally invested and is doing everything he can to make this day special.”
Recognizing the need for comprehensive aftercare initiatives for Thoroughbreds in Louisiana, Napravnik reached out to New Vocations, the nation’s largest racehorse adoption program, 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 riders, at the end of their careers, we are here locally to serve your horses in aftercare. Raising money to support this initiative is also important. We appreciate the support from the entire industry – from the jockeys, to the owners, to the racing fans. Every little bit helps. The New Vocations satellite program in Covington, Louisiana, has been a huge success. I am super excited that Anna Ford, Program Director of New Vocations, is joining us this year will join us to help us celebrate that progress.”
New Vocations makes it easier than ever to donate. Racehorse owners, jockeys and trainers can make a financial donation to the Louisiana chapter of New Vocations directly through the rider’s accountant. Donations are also being accepted through Venmo @newvocations and through the New Vocations website at newvocations.org/donate. Click the button with Rosie’s photo in the top row to complete the process.
“We have a great team working with the horses, and the support of the Louisiana HBPA has played a major role in our success,” said Ford. “We are thrilled to see more and more owners and breeders looking 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 after her win in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) with Untapable. In 2012, she became the first female rider to capture the Kentucky Oaks (G1), leading Believe You Can to victory, and just two years later she won the race again 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 Jason Boulet, Senior Director of Racing at Fair Grounds. “When she came to us six years ago with the concept of hosting this event at Fair Grounds, we didn’t blink. We are proud to serve as a vehicle to raise awareness and donations for the aftercare of racehorses. These horses give so much on the track. When they retire from racing, this is our opportunity to give back to them.”
In addition to co-hosting 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 via their website and mobile app.
“Throughout my riding career I have never had a handicap to pick the winner, I have had a handicap to make my horse the winner,” Napravnik said. “But there is a lot of insight I can provide on how each of the riders could see the race going and how it could go from a pace and ride perspective. I really 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 the aftercare in Louisiana!”
Fans can visit Napravnik on the television set on the third floor of the stands, near the far corner. For a suggested donation of $10 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.
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