Jena M. Antonucci made history today as the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, thanks to her horse Arcangelo’s win at the 155th Belmont Stakes.
Antonucci has been a rising star in the horse racing world, and her victory today is a huge milestone for women in the sport. “I’m just so thrilled for Jena,” said Arcangelo’s jockey, who was also making history as the first Black woman to win the Belmont Stakes.
Arcangelo’s win came after a hard-fought race that saw the favorite, Mighty Mike, stumble and fall early on. With Mighty Mike out of the running, Arcangelo was able to take the lead and hold off a late charge from second-place finisher Thunderbolt.
The full results and highlights of the Belmont Stakes can be found on Sporting News, while ESPN has more on Antonucci’s historic victory.
As for Antonucci, she was still processing the win when she spoke to reporters after the race. “I’m just so grateful to be here and to have the opportunity to train such a great horse,” she said. “I’m so proud of Arcangelo and the whole team behind him. This is a moment we’ll never forget.”