– Joanne McNamara exercise rider
– Joanne McNamara dies at 67.
Joanne McNamara, Exercise Rider to the Stars, Passes Away at 67
Joanne McNamara, known as the “exercise rider to the stars,” has sadly passed away at the age of 67 after a brief battle with cancer. Her death occurred on Sunday in Ocala, Florida, leaving behind a legacy in the world of Thoroughbred racing.
McNamara was born on May 17, 1956, in Bedford, N.Y. She grew up alongside her sister Patricia, and together, they began their journey in the hunter-jumper world, showing ponies and finding success. However, it was in Thoroughbred racing that Joanne discovered her true passion and excelled with her exceptional riding skills.
Discovering Talent and Riding Champions
Right from the start, it was evident that McNamara had an eye for talent. She began her career working for Hall of Fame trainer MacKenzie Miller and Rokeby Stables, where she had the opportunity to ride Rokeby Rose, a multiple stakes winner. Rokeby Rose not only had a successful racing career but also became a prominent broodmare, producing the Kentucky Oaks winner Silverbulletday.
Although McNamara trained a small stable for her father and a few clients, her love for riding and developing horses in the mornings led her back to the racetrack. She joined forces with renowned trainer D. Wayne Lukas in the late 1980s, marking the beginning of a long and successful partnership.
Throughout her career, McNamara had the privilege of riding some of Lukas’ most outstanding horses, including Thunder Gulch, Grindstone, Charismatic, Tabasco Cat, Serena’s Song, and Cat Thief. Her passion for the sport was evident, and she formed a special bond with many of the horses she rode.
A Day to Remember
One of the most memorable moments in McNamara’s career came during the 1999 Breeders’ Cup at Gulfstream Park. She had a hunch about Lukas’ horses, Cash Run and Cat Thief, and encouraged her family to place bets on them. The results were astonishing, with Cash Run winning the Juvenile Fillies at 32-1 odds and Cat Thief triumphing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at 19-1 odds. It was a day filled with joy and celebration for Joanne and her loved ones.
An Unforgettable Legacy
After working with trainers Dallas Stewart and Nick Zito, McNamara retired around a decade ago to be closer to her family in Ocala. Her love for horses never faded, and she continued to show them in local events. Joanne McNamara’s impact on the racing world was tremendous, and her skill as an exercise rider was unparalleled.
She is survived by her sister Patricia and brother Edward. Joanne’s wishes were to be cremated, and a memorial and life celebration are currently being planned.
“Joanne had horses in her blood,” said Cathy Riccio, a close friend and colleague. “She was still showing horses in local shows in Ocala. If you saw Joanne reaching into her pocket, there was usually a peppermint to reward her equine athletes.”
Joanne McNamara’s dedication, talent, and love for horses will be remembered by all those she touched throughout her remarkable career. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence the world of Thoroughbred racing.
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– Joanne McNamara exercise rider
– Joanne McNamara dies at 67.
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