Racing's Future: Sarah Siciliano

"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 Sarah Siciliano

From Dallas, Texas, 16-year-old Sarah Siciliano has ridden horses

and been around the track all her life, as her mother was a jockey and her father is a jockey valet.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I have always been interested in it. I've been around it for as long as I can remember and it just became a part of me.

What do you love about horse racing?

I love horse racing, period. There is just something about it that is inexplicable. I am happiest when I am at the track or on a horse. I couldn't imagine not being able to ever be at the track. Between meets at Lone Star Park nearly kill me, not being able to be at the races.

What career are you pursuing in the horse racing industry and how are you currently pursuing it?

First I want to gallop and work horses in the mornings and pony during the races, but I eventually want to become a jockey. 

Why have you chosen to pursue that career?

I have always wanted to ride races. I don't know when I decided I wanted to ride; I just always have and I haven't changed my mind. Of course, I do think about other things, but I really can't see me doing anything else.

How are you currently pursuing that career?

Right now, I gallop my Thoroughbred at my house and just ride and try to enjoy riding. I don't ever want to try to be so perfect that I stop enjoying riding and not want to do it anymore. I will start galloping at Lone Star Park in March.

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

There are so many people I admire, but Julie Krone, Rosie Napravnik, Gary Stevens, and Mike Smith are my top few.

What aspects of horse racing do you wish you knew more about?

Even though I can't place bets yet, I wish I knew more about handicapping because I suck.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to Lone Star Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Evangeline Downs, Santa Anita, Los Alamitos, Louisiana Downs, and Prairie Meadows.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

My favorite race track is Lone Star Park because I live close and I am able to spend a lot of my time there during both meets.

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

Keeneland

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

My favorite moment so far is going to the Breeders' Cup in 2014. It was such an amazing experience.

Who are your favorite racehorses of your lifetime? Before your lifetime?

My past favorite racehorse is Ruffian. My lifetime favorites are Zenyatta and California Chrome!

If you could change something about the industry, what would you change?

I would change small tracks being able to have slot machines. Not because of the actual gaming system, but because they can really help out small tracks that are suffering.

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

The thought of it being "cruel" and "abuse to the horses."

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

That racing is abuse and that every trainer and rider drugs or cheats their way to winning.

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

  Simply by taking them to the track and watching races with them and answering questions they have. The more you know about a sport, the more you enjoy watching it.

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

Well of course to be the first female to win the Kentucky Derby. I want to be in the Hall of Fame and at the end of my career, be someone that young kids, who want to ride, can look up to and help them!