Ritvo goes from apprentice to journeyman

Michael Ritvo recently became a journeyman rider and won his first race without an apprentice weight allowance June 29 at Parx Racing.

Ritvo, 21, made good use of his apprenticeship, winning 194 races from 1,168 mounts with purse earnings of more than $4.4 million.

Ritvo began riding at Gulfstream Park in March 2014. He won 29 races there before moving north to ride at Delaware Park in September, where he quickly won 31 races before the meet ended.

After a brief stint in Maryland, Ritvo went to Parx, where he has done well. Ritvo is riding at Parx, Delaware Park, and Penn National.

“I learned so much during the year,” Ritvo said. “If I watch film of my early races, I can’t believe it. I’m going to keep at it. I have a lot more to learn.”

Ritvo is the son of racetrack executive Tim Ritvo and trainer Kathy Ritvo.