Our love for various sports often has a unique origin story. In the world of racing, many have tales of how their passion ignited and flourished. The TDN is on a mission to gather these stories from notable figures in the industry to understand the allure that keeps them hooked. Let's delve into some of these captivating narratives.

Discover the Moments that Sealed the Deal in Racing

Richard Migliore's Journey

Richard Migliore's first encounter with racing was through the Channel 9 show every Saturday at 6 o'clock on WOR. He vividly remembers watching with Frank Wright, Charlsie Cantey, and Dave Johnson. This show became an obsession for him. Whether he was engaged in stickball or running around, at 6 o'clock on Saturdays, he would be in front of the TV. The eighth race, which was the feature, along with an intermission and the ninth race triple, held him captive. This initial exposure sparked his curiosity and desire to learn more. He started riding ponies and got involved in pony racing on a farm in Long Island. There, he was encouraged to pursue a career as a jockey. However, it was the 1976 Marlboro Cup that truly solidified his decision. Forego's remarkable catch of Honest Pleasure in the last jump was a defining moment. Richard was with his friends Carlos and David Figueroa at that time and declared that he was going to be a jockey, just like Shoemaker. For the next two years, he worked on farms in Long Island, starting as a groom and then progressing to an exercise rider at Lakeview Farm. He also worked at Parr Meadows, a Quarter Horse track. With the support of Dennis and Julia Brida, he spent the summer working with horses. After returning to school, he got a job with Steve DiMauro at Belmont. At the age of 15, he began galloping horses for him. A year later, he made his racing debut in September 1980. It took four years from that Marlboro Cup for him to turn his passion into a professional career.

Sol Kumin and Sue Finley's Story

For Sol Kumin, it was Lady Eli that hooked him. This racehorse had a tumultuous journey after developing laminitis in both front feet. Lady Eli was part of the first group of horses they owned. The experience of being 6-0 and winning the Breeders' Cup when they barely knew about it was a thrilling moment. But there were also the lows, like arriving at the barn to find her legs soaked in ice buckets, wondering if she would survive. The possibility of her making a comeback and winning again was a glimmer of hope. Watching her win another Grade I, become a champion at five, and be one of the few fillies in history to achieve such feats was a transformative experience. It was through this journey that he truly understood her personality and became deeply attached. His friend Jay Hanley introduced him to racing and Chad Brown. Together, they bought horses and had some successful ventures. Sol often wonders if their first experience with Lady Eli had a profound impact on their path in racing. He knows that some people enter the world of racing with a bad start and fade away. But with Lady Eli, it was about more than just the wins; it was the entire journey.To share your own story of how you got hooked on racing, email suefinley@thetdn.com.