Racing's Future: Nicholas Vaccarezza

“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Nicholas Vaccarezza

16-year-old Nicholas Vaccarezza has been a fan of horse racing all his life. His father, Carlo Vaccarezza, is a trainer where they live in South Florida, currently training at Palm Meadows. An aspiring trainer himself, Nick helps his father around the barn and with the racehorses.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I was born into a racing family. My dad's first job when he came from Italy was being a groom at Aqueduct. His love for the sport rubbed off to not just me but my two siblings and my mother.

What do you love about horse racing?

I love the rush I get when our horse is running and they are passing the 3/8 pole and you know they have a good chance of winning.

Who are some of the people you admire in the industry and why?

There is a long list of who I look up to in this sport. My dad, Todd Pletcher, Eddie Plesa, Jimmy Jerkens, Fernando Abreu, Chad Brown, the list goes on. But at the top of that long list is Allen Jerkens. Growing up as a kid, I met the great Allen Jerkens. I knew him for just around 5 years just by going to the track and sitting near him at the trainer's stand. Once my dad got his trainer's license we moved into his barn. He taught me an immeasurable amount of knowledge about the horses. I am honored to say I knew him.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to countless tracks but the recognizable ones would be Santa Anita, Meydan, Saratoga, Belmont, Aqueduct, Woodbine, Gulfstream and Churchill Downs.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Gulfstream. It's my "home track" and Mr. Stronach and Mr. Ritvo keep it five-star; it's definitely one of the nicest tracks in the country.

Of the racetracks you have not been to, which one do you want to visit most?

Ascot and Keenland

What are your favorite moments in your “horse racing life” thus far?

Little Mike's four grade one wins – not just favorite moments in my racing life but my whole life.

What do you think is preventing horse racing from being a more popular sport?

It should be put back onto those big channels more (other than just the Breeders' Cup, Triple Crown and the challenge races).

What do you think is the most common misconception about horse racing?

All those animal activists think we are mistreating our horses, and that we force them to run. But it's in the horse's nature to run; they love to do it.

How would you convince someone who is not an avid follower of horse racing to begin following the sport?

Come with me to the races. If old enough, buy a share in a racing partnership

What career do you plan to pursue in the horse racing industry?

To be a horse trainer. I'm at the barn every day that I do not have school, trying to absorb as much as I can.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I have started to pony our horses on the racetrack. I help out around the barn as much as I can between sets.

What is one thing you aspire to personally accomplish someday in the horse racing industry?

To win the Triple Crown, be a Hall of Fame trainer and win the Eclipse Award. I know it's not a piece of cake but I am trying to learn as much as possible.