Sharp's training career gets off to fast start

LEXINGTON, Ky. – If Joe Sharp were a racehorse, he might be one of the best sprinters in the world.

Sharp has gotten away to an exceptionally fast start in his training career by recording seven wins and three seconds from his first 13 starters. After years as a stablehand and assistant to Mike Stidham and Mike Maker, he started his first horse Sept. 10.

“I just hope I’m not cheap speed,” Sharp said with a laugh Friday from his base at the Trackside training center in Louisville, Ky. “Nobody wants to see that speed-and-fade move.”

Sharp, 29, is married to star jockey Rosie Napravnik, who has ridden most of her husband’s horses, including all seven winners. The latest came Thursday, when the newly claimed Gallant Eagle drew clear to win the fifth race at Keeneland.

“The horses we’ve run have been in good spots,” said Sharp. “We’ve led them over in good condition and gotten some racing luck, which is everything. I feel really fortunate.”

Sharp said his stable has grown to 23 horses after he picked up two more Thursday. After competing at the upcoming fall meet at Churchill Downs, he and Napravnik will be based at Fair Grounds in New Orleans for the winter.