By Stefanie Grimm
Madeline Rowland's journey to becoming a jockey reached the next level last Sunday when she scored her first win on the NYRA circuit over the Aqueduct main track.
Still just a teenager and already over the million-dollar mark in earnings, Rowland knew early on that her future was in horses.
“I always grew up around horses,” she said. “My dad trained steeplechase horses before he passed and my mom galloped for a little bit and helped my dad train. When I was 12 or 13, I started pony racing and then I started working for Lizzie Merryman when I was 15 or 16. And ever since then, [I knew] I was going to be jockey.”
Now based around the Mid-Atlantic after a hugely successful winter at Tampa Bay Downs, Rowland enjoys the hustle of riding multiple tracks in the same week.
“After doing pretty good in Tampa [Bay Downs], and coming to ride in the Mid-Atlantic, I definitely had goals and things I had to work for,” said Rowland. “It's awesome though because there's so many tracks around here that you can ride from one hour to six hours away. It's tough here,” she admits. “It was a little hard to get going but I am happy with how it's going now. I've been riding with really great people that have helped me a lot and I've gotten really good opportunities.”
Through the learning process of being an apprentice jockey, Rowland cops to being her own biggest critic. When asked what the hardest part of the journey had been thus far, she said, “Being honest, beating myself up. I really want to do a good job. I do see improvement in my riding but I think because I care so much about the horses, I make it that much harder on myself.”
As fort he most enjoyable part, Rowland said, “Working with the horses and getting paid to do something I would probably do for free! I absolutely love the horses. Winning a race is always the best feeling, especially meaningful wins like the other day [for trainer Michael Dini]. Mike has helped me out so much, [it] was absolutely amazing to win a race in New York.”
Now a finalist in the Newcomer division for the Oct. 14 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, Rowland looks to have a big month ahead.
“It's so awesome. Horses have always been such a huge part of my life,” she said. “I don't know where I'd be without them. They have taught me so much about work ethic, discipline, and really how to care of these animals and put them before ourselves. That's what you have to do in this business. And it means so much to be nominated for an award like this to show horsemanship. It's not just about winning races–it's about caring for these amazing animals who are trying so hard for us.”
With a weekend of rides coming up at the Meadowlands, seven entries over both days, Rowland shares the hopes of many of us along the Mid-Atlantic after a week of less-than-ideal weather.
“I just hope we run [on the turf],” she laughed. “We've had so much rain this week. We'll see how it goes. The horses are all in good spots so I'm hopeful [for my chances].”
And once the action slows down up north, Rowland looks forward to returning to her south Florida roots.
“That track [Tampa Bay Downs] will always be my favorite just because I've done so well there. I love their turf and the people there. There's very kind people that want to help you, and the racing is really good and competitive. I'll drive back to down to Tampa [Bay Downs] in the beginning of November for the meet there that starts at the end of the month.”
Click here to view Rowland's TIEA video.
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