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Jockey Erica Herrforth, a 28-year-old Ohio native, won her first career race with her first-ever mount, Carry On, Friday at Churchill Downs.
Herrforth, who gallops regularly for trainer Joe Sharp, was a graduate of the North American Racing Academy in Lexington. Prior to working for Sharp, Herrforth spent time galloping horses around the world, including a recent stint in Australia.
Herrforth even spent time helping to groom Carry On, who’s trained by Sharp, for Friday’s race.
“I couldn’t be more happy and proud of her,” Sharp said after the race.
Sharp and Herrforth had a difficult last month after losing fellow rider Callie Witt in a riding accident at Keeneland.
“Callie was an amazing individual and I was so proud of her,” Herrforth said following her passing. “I am grateful for the time that I got to work with her and got to know her. Just the other day we were jogging along and singing with each other. We joked about how bad we sounded but we didn’t care.”
Following Herrforth’s victory, she was met at the Jockey Quarters with a large celebration from fellow riders and valets.
Carry On returned $12 to win in the 1 1/16-mile $16,000 claiming event.
