Sometimes when you are given an opportunity in life, you have to take full advantage of it because you don’t know when your next chance might happen.
So when Homestead’s Stephanie LaRicci was presented with an opportunity, she ran with it.
Or more appropriately, galloped.
Racing at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, the 25 year old graduate of South Dade High School rode Language of Love to victory in her first ever race.
The victorious debut was a great start to the next phase of a riding career that started when she took lessons as a five year old at a Homestead barn.
Having raised show horses and competed in local shows throughout her life, LaRicci decided it was time to add another challenge.
Shortly after completing her Associate’s degree from Miami Dade College - Homestead and having celebrated her 21st birthday, she decided to try and get into the racing world.
“It’s a hard field to get into, but I had just gotten my degree and figured it was a good time to take the risk while I was still young.”
She was extremely lucky to make some connections and eventually landed with trainer David Fawkes.
With Fawkes and assistant trainer Donald Stetler pushing her, she was given the chance to ride in the Gulfstream race after four years of galloping as an exercise rider.
“I’m one of the riders responsible for working out the horses, riding them around the track and implementing the trainer’s instructions to get them ready to race,” LaRicci said of her responsibilities at the track.
For her, getting a chance in the saddle was the next step.
“Racing was a great opportunity and I look forward to doing it again.”
Despite her “undefeated” record, she knows there is room to grow.
“I was lucky, Language of Love is a really a classy filly that made it easy.
I have a lot to learn and lot of room to improve, so I am just going to continue working hard and getting better.”
When asked about her future, her philosophy was simple.
“Keep on riding.”
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