“Continue to Be True”: Horse Racing Trainer Reflects on an Exceptional 2023 Season With Heartfelt Insights

In the major male-dominant industry, trainer Jena Antonucci has well-established herself over the years. Her walk through the horse racing field exudes an inspiration to many looking over. From Tampa Bay Downs to the podium of the Triple Crown, Antonucci cannot be overlooked. Today, as the year-end nears, the trainer provides her thoughts on living through the wins and the lows the industry has to offer.

Though Antonucci started her career back in 2010, it was in 2023 that the trainer reached a pinnacle. Winning one of the Triple Crown races elevated the 47-year-old’s presence in horse racing more than ever before. Months later, the trainer provides an insight into what entailed the coveted feat.

Into the thoughts of Jena Antonucci

On the 9th of June 2023, Antonucci became the first female trainer in horse racing to train a winner of an American Triple Crown race. Archangelo, now retired, raced down the Belmont Stakes to clinch a 1 1/2-length triumph and deliver history for Jena. New York Racing Association, celebrating the best of the 2023 circuit, talked with the trainer to know what it meant to her. “It opened the window for people to see what we’ve been doing,” Antonucci started. “If it has afforded us to have a better quality of horses, then we will just continue to do all of that the best possible way we can. We’ll just continue to be true to who we are.”

The trainer further added that she chuckled at the criticisms to built up assumptions about her capabilities. But to see the horse racing team standing by her during their accomplishments was the most gratifying thing. Jena’s outlook on the feat stands to inspire not just on the feats acquired but with the solace and effort they are acquired with.

A hope for horse racing enthusiasts

Further in her interview, Jena was questioned about what she perceived her feat entailed specifically for the women. The horse racing icon revealed that she could only learn of the influence when spoken out by the other party. Visiting 700 young ladies months later helped her gain a clear perspective.

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“To be able to speak about what we’ve accomplished in our sport, it definitely resonates. To be able to look at young girls and say, ‘This hadn’t happened in 155 years,’ and to see how they receive that is special.” She further expressed that she would want to carry on the accomplishment to encourage young girls to follow their lead.

She who said, “Never give up, and if you can’t find a seat at the table, make your own table,” after major horse racing feat could be nothing short of assurance.

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