NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: April 10, 2009
Heather Baber, 859-256-3216, heather.baber@kctcs.edu
NORTH AMERICAN RACING ACADEMY GRADUATE WINS AT TAMPA BAY DOWNS
He is named Jockey of the Month
Versailles, KY (April 10, 2009) - Mike Straight recently won his first career race at Tampa Bay Downs. He rode to the winner's circle aboard Ready Ruler on March 6. Since his initial race, Straight has won eight additional races at the same track and has been named Jockey of the Month.
Straight, 23, came to Kentucky in September 2007 from East Greenbush, New York to complete courses at the North American Racing Academy (NARA) under the tutelage of Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron. He recently had the opportunity to gain additional experience by working for trainer Wesley Ward in Miami. Mike is the twin brother of the very successful apprentice jockey Matthew Straight (2008 NARA graduate).
"The program is hands on, so the students really get to be part of the daily operations. It's exciting to watch them learn and grow within the academy," said McCarron.
NARA is the brainchild of McCarron. He and his family relocated to central Kentucky, after his retirement from the saddle in 2002, for the sole purpose of establishing the academy.
"I've been given a great foundation," said Straight. "All the knowledge I gained through the NARA program and Chris McCarron is what I use every day."
Straight next chance at the winner's circle is Saturday, April 11 and again Tuesday, April 14 in Tampa.
NARA is an equine program of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and is the first college-affiliated horse racing academy in the United States. KCTCS facilitates the development of NARA by providing direction for academic courses, through Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), that lead to certifications.
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For most Kentuckians, higher education begins at KCTCS. Our statewide system of 16 colleges and 67 campuses provides citizens throughout the Commonwealth with a quality education that is both accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu
For most Kentuckians, higher education begins at KCTCS. Our statewide system of 16 colleges and 65 campuses provides citizens throughout the Commonwealth with a quality education that is both accessible and affordable.