Sheila Rosenblum (right in red dress) leads La Verdad to the winner's circle after a victory in the Critical Eye Stakes at Belmont Park on May 31. (Photo by Susie Raisher/NYRA)
Sheila Rosenblum knows a thing or two about grace, elegance and finesse while performing on one’s feet. But no one would accuse the former model and ballerina of tiptoeing her way into the world of horse ownership.
“It’s my passion,” said Rosenblum, referring to Lady Sheila Stable, her aptly named racing operation launched in 2010.
Of late, Rosenblum has been able to turn her passion into profit, thanks to star 4-year-old filly La Verdad. The daughter of Yes It’s True (hence La Verdad, or “The Truth” in Spanish) has won nine races and four stakes, including the $200,000, Grade 2 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct.
“It’s been quite unbelievable … her progress, and knock on wood, her soundness and temperament,” Rosenblum said.
La Verdad has given her owner thrills she never imagined possible. Once a jumper and dressage rider, Rosenblum decided to get in on the Thoroughbred ownership side about four years ago. At the time, she purchased eight yearlings. The move didn't pan out and Rosenblum found herself losing money and sleep.
That baptism by fire might’ve scared away a less determined and competitive person, but not Rosenblum. Rather instinctively, she got back on her feet, steadied herself and found that balance which had always been the key to her success on the biggest of stages.
Last year, guided by the knowledge of trainer Linda Rice — the only woman to ever win a training title at Saratoga — Rosenblum purchased La Verdad. All told, the team of Rosenblum and Rice has earned more than $1-million since the beginning of last year.
Riding that wave of momentum, Rosenblum is now escalating her commitment to horse racing with a plan to get other women involved in the sport as well.
“It’s against all odds that I’m still here,” Rosenblum said. “I’ve paid so many dues that now I’m trying to help out a couple of women who might enjoy [horse racing] and not have to go through as much as I did.”
Rosenblum’s newest venture is Lady Sheila Stable Two, a “ladies-only” ownership syndicate formed with Rice. While the partnership requires a minimum $100,000 investment to become a member, Rosenblum has already been inundated with requests to join from all over the country.
“I would love to give an opportunity to women who have some means that they can clearly afford to do this,” Rosenblum said. “It’s a business … but this syndication really is about taking some women alongside me and having a wonderful time.”
Among those who jumped at the opportunity are Jill Zarin, formerly of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
“When she told me about it, right away I said ‘I’m in,’ ” Zarin said. “Anything Sheila does turns to gold, and I’m in it with her.”
Zarin has been friends with Rosenblum for nearly a decade and has been witness to her sudden emergence as a big player in horse racing’s ownership ranks.
“It provides women exposure in a male-dominated industry,” Zarin said. “There’s definitely risk but there’s adventure and fun. It’s also a tremendous opportunity for women – friends – to experience one of the world’s most exciting sports together.”
On Monday, Zarin made her first-ever trip to Saratoga Race Course to be by Rosenblum’s side to watch La Verdad run in the $200,000 Grade 2 Honorable Miss Stakes.
ROSENBLUM AND ZARIN AT SARATOGA FOR HONORABLE MISS
Although La Verdad didn’t win, Zarin said she was struck by the beauty of the horses as well as the fashion, food and overall atmosphere of the track.
“It’s exciting,” Zarin said. “The industry needs some new blood. … I’d like to bring the class and the elegance back to horse racing.”
By the looks of things, her good friend Rosenblum has already got that ball rolling.
Lady Sheila Stables Two currently consists of three fillies, although Rosenblum noted that male horses are allowed. Rice is not only a fully-invested syndicate partner and trainer, she’ll also make all calls on spotting and purchasing horses for the stable.
“We’re coming together, saying we can do what the men do,” Rosenblum said. “Anything I put my mind to, I’m pretty focused. So, I’m determined to make this work.”