A great conversation with one cool savvy rider, Luca Panici
“Luce rete”
Maryquitecontrary and Luca Panici take the G2 Inside Information (Lauren King)
Welcome to another episode of Past The Wire TV. Fresh off a big win on The Pegasus World Cup card aboard Maryquitecontrary in the Grade 2 Inside Information, we sit down with jockey Luca Panici.
After coming to South Florida from Italy, not knowing English or Spanish, Luca Panici wound up on the Calder backstretch. Find out how Luca established himself as a South Florida mainstay, competing with some of the best jockeys in the world during the Gulfstream Park Championship meet. Hear about Luca’s ride aboard Maryquitecontrary in winning The Inside Information and how he prepares himself to be at his best and competitive every day. Hear why “perseverance” defines Luca and his career.
Luca was able to work himself from not knowing anyone in town to winding up on not one but two Kentucky Derby contenders. He wound riding Sole Volante for Dean Reeves, Patrick and Andie Biancone. Earlier he had won the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs aboard the horse. Luca sheds some light on the dynamics of competing on the racetrack and sharing the same locker room, or we should say Jockeys Room. What happens in the room, stays in the room. Hear Luca’s take on the Gulfstream main track, turf course, outside draws and how the track plays.
We think you’ll enjoy meeting this great athlete and seasoned rider. Luca is a rider that if you get to know, it is impossible not to root for! Thank you for watching this episode of Past The Wire TV. If you enjoy it hit the like button or leave us a comment. We appreciate it. Luca said Frankie was happier than him when he won The Inside Information on Saturday. While we doubt that, you can catch our One on One with Frankie HERE.
Watch this great episode of Past The Wire TV with Luca Panici HERE:
Photos: Coglianese Photos, Lauren King, Bob Coglianese, Jetta Vaughns, Jeff Zamaiko, Maryquitecontrary, Inside Information Stakes
Here is a time stamped summary of the show for your convenience:
Summary of One on One with Luca Panici
In the video, Luca Panici discusses his successful horse racing career in the United States, including his experience winning the Kentucky Derby. He talks about the competitive nature of horse racing and how staying in shape is important for riders. He also shares his insights on how to become a successful horse racing gambler.
- 00:00:00 The host of Pastthewire – Jon Stettin – congratulates Luca on his successful ride and win on the horse Mary Quite Contrary, during the Pegasus Invitational card. Luca stresses the importance of having confidence in your horse and following the most favored horse. He also points out that after a few jumps, his horse was in trouble for a while, but by the time they reached the stretch, he was convinced that he was going to win..
- 00:05:00 Jon Stettin points out that Luca Panici rode Gulfstream Park’s local horse to victory in a Grade 2 race, showcasing his talent and ability to compete at the highest level. It was a very special moment in his career.
- 00:10:00 Luca Panici tells the story of how he became a successful jockey in the United States, overcoming language barriers and cultural differences. He credits hard work and perseverance as key factors in his success.
- 00:15:00 Luca Panici discusses his journey from working as a 35-year-old in Italy to becoming a successful jockey in the United States, and his experience riding in the Kentucky Derby. He recounts the excitement of the race and how it was a total different feeling to be riding Sole Volante, a horse he had felt very good about beforehand.
- 00:20:00 Luca Panici discusses the difference between racing in America and elsewhere, noting that Gulfstream Park is a “speed favoring” track. He goes on to say that while speed is a factor, it is not the only factor in winning a race.
- 00:25:00 Luca Panici discusses the benefits of riding outside horses in a two-turn race, as well as his goals for the remainder of his career. He discusses how staying fit and in shape is difficult when riding every day, and how he enjoys playing tennis and working out.
- 00:30:00 Luca Panici discusses his exercise routine and how it doesn’t change much, but when the race season changes, so does the routine. He also talks about how the Florida Circuit changes year-round and how the riders from different parts of the country come to compete.
- 00:35:00 Luca Panici discusses the competitive nature that riders have, and how it’s an important part of horse racing. He also discusses the unique dynamic of horse racing where riders go from competitors to friends and brothers.
- 00:40:00 Luca Panici discusses the competitive nature of horse racing, and how riders yell at each other on the racetrack. He also tells the story of how he became a jockey in the United States.
- 00:45:00 In 2020, Luca Panici won the Sam Davis on Sole Volante, and he wants to become the first Italian-born jockey to win a Triple Crown race. Panici still competes in other races and is optimistic about his chances of winning a Triple Crown race.
