A horse trainer for more than 25 years, Jena Antonucci has the unique distinction of being the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, a feat she accomplished when the famous gray horse , Arcangelo, won the 2023 Belmont Stakes in dramatic fashion.Following the history-making win, Antonucci was quick to shine the spotlight on her horse—not herself—in an interview with The Guardian. “He’s just got the heart of a champion. He’s just that guy. He’s just amazing. A true blessing, an amazing gift and I’m just so grateful.” Today, the world-class trainer and thoroughbred breeder is busier than ever, but whether she’s walking the aisles of her barn, working in her office or spending time at the track, she always slows down when it comes to the health of her horses. A firm believer in laying strong foundations, Antonucci’s breeding decisions, training programs and nutrition protocols are all rooted in consistency and intentionality. Growing up, Antonucci started showing horses at an early age and when she pivoted to the thoroughbreds, she had her initial training under the tutelage of National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Along the way as a thoroughbred breeder and veterinary technician, she learned the importance of early foundational work, especially when it comes to the mental and physical development of individual horses. “It’s a whole different relationship with the horse, being able to imprint them and knowing that you are the foundation of where they’re going to be for the rest of their life and how they are going to interact with humans,” she said. “To know you can make a positive impact so early is very gratifying.”As foals grow up and move into the training phase, Antonucci said she listens and responds to each horse’s unique needs and motivations. “The answer is already there within each horse. It’s up to us to be quiet, listen and observe.”To gain that individual understanding, Antonucci works closely with barn staff to continuously evaluate behaviors, weight gain, temperament, talent and willingness to work. She spends just as much time on the ground with her team making these assessments as she does training. “Our philosophy is very much horse-forward and always puts them at the center of the decisions that are made about their development and how far we push them fitness-wise, mentally and physically,” Antonucci said. “We always make sure we pause a minute, check on the horse and make sure they are doing well. Most importantly, we allow the horse to really lead us and lead their journey, managing the human expectations along the way.” While the physical and mental aspects of each horse’s journey are critical to their overall health and ability to perform, Antonucci said their nutrition protocol also plays a significant role—one that begins even before a mare give birth.“Sustainable nutrition for pregnant mares helps foals have consisten Read More