“This Hadn’t Happened in 155 Years”: Historic Belmont Stakes Winning Trainer Shares Insight on the Future of Horse Racing

 Modern-day horse racing history was made months ago, in 2023. Fans watched on with bated breath as the three-year-old thoroughbreds raced to the Prestigious Talent finish line at Belmont Park on June 10, 2023.

The 155th running of the final leg in the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, was a true test of sheer talent and grit. Amidst the massive talent of both equine athletes and men, one woman wrote her name in history that day.

The woman who made horse racing history in 2023

Crossing the finish line on June 10, 2023, in Elmont, New York, and surpassing a field of nine iconic horses was Son of Sire Arrogate and Dam, Modeling, the powerful Arcangelo. Blitzing to the end line under the guided mastery of Javier Castellano, history was created for Arcangelo’s trainer, Jena Antonucci. The 47-year-old native of South Florida became the first woman to train a Triple Crown race winner.

Speaking to NYRA months after the massive feat that has inspired countless women across the world, Jena Antonucci shared, “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.” This achievement by the trainer of 13 years was followed by a string of successes in 2023. In the interview, she even shared her goals for her journey ahead after Arcangelo retired to become a sire.

What lies ahead for Jena Antonucci with Arcangelo retired ?

Speaking to NYRA, Jena Antonucci shared that the priority she and her team were focusing on was being present. Like the iconic Arcangelo, Jena Antonucci shared that the barn consisted of many 2-year-olds with immense potential. She expressed, “We’re going to let them tell their story like we let Arcangelo tell his”. 2023 was a massive year for the trainer, with 15 wins this year and a total earning of a staggering $2,096,936 including the Belmont Stakes and the Grade 1  Travers Stakes won by Arcangelo.

Jena also acknowledged Arcangelo’s retirement. Speaking about the powerful companion who is enjoying his retirement at Lane’s End Farm, Antonucci shared fond moments of their continued bond saying, “He’s doing awesome, and they’re very much enjoying having him there. It will be wild and cool to train some of the kiddos one day.”

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As the 2023 season soon concludes and the 2024 season approaches, Jena Antonucci will focus on readying horses with immense potential to continue the success achieved with Arcangelo.

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