Apprentice Jockey Lane Luzzi Wins First Race

Apprentice jockey Lane Luzzi, son of veteran New York rider Mike Luzzi, won his first professional race Friday afternoon when he rode Midwest Thoroughbred's Flo's Strawberry to victory in Laurel Park's third race.

Trained by Jamie Ness, Flo's Strawberry took the lead leaving the gate in the six furlong claiming event, opened up eight lengths on the field, and won by a nose over Say a Hail Mary. Luzzi and Flo's Strawberry, a 6-year-old mare, covered the distance in 1:12.54.

"This is a dream come true," Luzzi, 18, said. "I've dreamed of this day my entire life."

When asked if he's received advice from his father, a winner of more than 3,400 races and recipient of the Eclipse Award as top apprentice in 1989, Luzzi said, "Just ride hard, try to look good, and follow instructions the best I can."

After winning the race, Luzzi was awaiting the traditional buckets of water being thrown on him by other jockeys for winning his first race.

"It still hasn't hit me yet," he said. "It will hit me when I get some buckets of water on my head."

Source: Maryland Jockey Club