Public eye is a reality check for young riders

Business savvy is imperative for young jockeys thrust into the public eye, says local jockey Ryan Fogelsonger. And he should know. It wasn?t long ago that he stood in rising star Anna Rosie Napravnik?s place.

In 2002, the Silver Spring native captured the Eclipse Award for top apprentice after riding 267 winners with earnings of $4.9 million. Then 22 and new to wealth and fame, Fogelsonger found himself buying dinner for his buddies every night, and, at the bar, drinks were on him.