Born: 1988 (Mendham, New Jersey)
Biography:
Anna Rose Rosie Napravnik is a former American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey who achieved remarkable success and became a trailblazer in the sport. Born on February 9, 1988, in Mendham, New Jersey, Napravnik was raised in a family deeply connected to the equestrian world. Her father, Charles, worked as a farrier, and her mother, Cindy, not only ran a boarding and training stable but also trained event horses. Growing up surrounded by horses, it was inevitable that Napravnik would develop a passion for horse racing.
Napravnik’s journey into the world of horse racing began at a young age. By the time she was seven years old, she was already participating in pony races. This early exposure to competition sparked her determination to become a professional jockey. Napravnik’s dedication and natural talent quickly became evident as she continued to excel in the sport.
In 2005, Napravnik officially launched her career as a jockey, and it didn’t take long for her to make a name for herself. Throughout her career, she consistently ranked among the top jockeys in North America in terms of earnings and total races won. Her incredible skill and determination earned her a place in the top 10 by earnings for three consecutive years, solidifying her position as the highest-ranked woman jockey in North America.
In 2011, Napravnik achieved a significant milestone by winning the Louisiana Derby for the first time. She further showcased her talent by finishing ninth in the 2011 Kentucky Derby with the horse Pants on Fire. The following year, Napravnik made history by breaking the record for total wins and earnings for a woman jockey, which was previously held by Julie Krone. Additionally, she became the first woman rider to win the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, riding Believe You Can. In 2014, Napravnik won the Oaks for a second time on Untapable.
Napravnik’s accomplishments extended beyond the Kentucky Oaks. She made her mark in the Breeders’ Cup races, becoming the second woman jockey to win a Breeders’ Cup race and the first to win more than one. In 2012, she rode Shanghai Bobby to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and in 2014, she triumphed in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff aboard Untapable. Her successes in the Breeders’ Cup races further solidified her position as a respected and talented jockey.
Notably, Napravnik’s performance in the Triple Crown races stands as a testament to her skill and resilience. In the 2013 Kentucky Derby, she finished in fifth place, the highest ever achieved by a woman jockey in the iconic race. She followed this up with a third-place finish in the 2013 Preakness Stakes on Mylute, once again setting a record for the best finish by a woman jockey in that race. Napravnik is the only woman to have ridden in all three Triple Crown races, leaving an indelible mark on the history of women in the sport.
Beyond her remarkable achievements in horse racing, Napravnik has also played a significant role in women’s history. Her success in a male-dominated sport has broken down barriers and inspired future generations of female jockeys. Napravnik’s unwavering determination and talent have shattered gender stereotypes and paved the way for women to excel in the world of horse racing.
Currently, Napravnik is retired from race riding. Following her win in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, she announced her pregnancy and her decision to step away from the sport indefinitely. However, she continues to contribute to the horse racing world by assisting her husband, Joe Sharp, in training racehorses, including their notable contender Girvin in the 2017 Kentucky Derby.
Rosie Napravnik’s impact on horse racing cannot be understated. As a talented jockey, she achieved remarkable success and shattered gender barriers. Her dedication, skill, and trailblazing spirit have made her an inspiration to aspiring female jockeys and a true icon in the sport.
Awards:
– Two-time winner of the Kentucky Oaks
– Record holder for total wins and earnings by a woman jockey
– First woman rider to win the Kentucky Oaks
– Second woman jockey to win a Breeders’ Cup race and the first to win more than one
– Highest finishes by a woman jockey in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes