TAMPA, FL. - The opening race on a track can set the tone for the rest of the day. This particular first contest at Tampa Bay Downs certainly did that – with a runaway win for 4-year-old filly Katy and Emma.
The jockey who guided her to victory – 18-year-old Maddie Rowland.
Maddie’s become used to the winner’s circle. She’s been a on quick ascent over the last few months after moving down from Pennsylvania to gain more experience on the track.
“I’m so happy I came to Tampa,” said Maddie, who is finishing up her senior year in high school by taking online courses. “I’ve learned so much from riding different horses and riding for different people and getting opportunities.”
Maddie had to show up every day and earn trust. Trust from owners, trust from trainers, and especially trust from horses. Being able to show the work ethic and skills necessary to succeed were part of getting that chance to ride. It would be owner/trainer Juan Arriagada who put her on Sancocho December 10, 2021. Maddie pulled away down the stretch to claim victory.
“Everything was just so cool and I can get a little emotional sometimes and when she won the race it made me feel like it was my daughter,” said Arriagada.
“That was a lot of pressure – 1: it was my first race; 2: knowing I was on a horse with such a big chance. And then you saying there is no pressure to win. If you win, win. If you can, do it,” said Maddie.
Maddie has continued winning many more times. It’s to the point where most any owner or trainer will want her up on their horse. She has that natural gift of understanding them. And bringing out their happiness.
“I’ll hope that they’re good, first of all,” said Maddie, taking a horse out to the track. “And then a big part is getting them to relax. Right now, I’ll back up, see how she is, turn around and breeze a half mile. So, that’s what I’ll do.”
Maddie feels the track is her true home. And she should. Racing is in her blood. Her father, Paul was a well-known trainer in the northeast. He died of cancer when Maddie was just 8 years old.
“In my head I feel like he has some control over my safety and my success,” said Maddie, who left her family in PA to live out her dream. “As soon as I got off the horse, in my first race that I won, I felt an air hug from him. I really did.”
Maddie carries the memory of her father all over the stables in Tampa. She’s determined to continue the family legacy and make dad proud. One thing Maddie knows dad would have told her – keep working hard and never settle.
“There’s always going to be someone better than you,” said Maddie. “There’s always going to be someone who can teach you something. There’s always going to be a bigger race or a bigger number to beat.”