LAUREL, MD. 9-12-14---It has often been said that, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Apprentice rider Michael Ritvo did just that Friday afternoon at Laurel Park when the 20-year-old guided Winter Lady to victory in the 8^th race at Laurel Park, his first Maryland mount.

“The first of many,” said winning trainer Jamie Ness.

Ritvo, who moved his tack from Gulfstream Park to the mid-Atlantic last week, kept Winter Lady in close contention along the rail in the 6-furlong $45,000 optional allowance test for fillies and mares before slipping past frontrunner Who Needs on the turn and turning back Proud to be Wild in the stretch to win by four lengths in 1:10.33.

“It is an excellent way to start,” Ritvo said. “The horse was just as cool as can be. She just sat in the pocket. There was no reason to rush with so many horses around her. When there was room we went and she just cruised.”

Ritvo now has six wins at three different tracks since making the move with victories at Laurel Park, Delaware Park and Penn National. He also plans to ride at Parx Racing.

Ritvo’s racing pedigree is impressive. His father Tim is a former jockey (1983-89) and trainer (1996-2010), who now serves as president of Gulfstream Park. His mother, Kathy, trained recently retired Mucho Macho Man, the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) champion.

Winter Lady paid $11.

About Laurel Park
Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.