by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Jackie Giuliani was very surprised to say
the least when she learned that she was named the first recipient of the
'Horseman Of The Month' award for February at Buffalo Raceway.
"I think it's pretty cool to be the first to win the
award but it's also nice to be acknowledged for what you do on a daily
basis," Giuliani said. In recognition of the award, she will receive a
gift certificate from J.P. Fitzgeralds, the sponsor of this month's award.
The 30-year-old Giuliani works in the Shawn McDonough Stable
where he currently has 19 horses. "On non race days, I jog or train, feed
them and put them away," Giuliani stated. But race days are a bit more
hectic.
With the McDonough barn averaging about six starters a
night, things can get a little crazy but something that Giuliani cherishes.
"I was a registered nurse for a few years but found out I missed
being with the horses...my heart was with the horses. I missed them. They are
so therapeutic to me." So instead of doing nursing duties, she is now
busy grooming, decorating their custom hoods, braiding hair and putting on
their shiny bridles every race night.
Giuliani has been around horses all her life. "I grew
up in the barn. I watched my Dad (Alex Giuliani) every day and learned a lot
from my sister Jennifer," Jackie added.
Her 14th birthday couldn't come quick enough as once she hit
that magical number, Giuliani got her groom's license that day and was "in
the barn working as a groom the next day." But in the future, she'd like
to get her training license but that is currently on pause as she is expecting
a child within a month.
But in the meanwhile, the horses in the McDonough stable
still will be 'babied and cared for' by Jackie Giuliani.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
