It may be one of the more unappreciated roles on the racetrack, but when things go sideways it's the outrider's time to shine.
Longtime Meadows outrider Missy Rothfuss was recently profiled in the mainstream media, and if you didn't know of her before, you sure will now.
In late July, journalist Linda Wilson Fuoco profiled Rothfuss and her small fleet of outrider horses for a piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Missy Rothfuss and Salem, pictured on July 17, 2020.
Rothfuss is currently riding Salem, a 25-year-old black Standardbred/Quarter Horse cross, and Dude, a 15-year-old Palomino, while monitoring the on-track stock competing at the Meadows. Six-year-old Standardbred Wingnut Dinger, who is still in the midst of his racing career, is also currently learning the ways of being an outrider's charge.
“'Wingnut’s not much bigger than a pony, but he is mighty,” Rothfuss told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He is not a hot horse. He is agile and athletic, and he is brave. He’s not afraid of anything.”
Missy Rothfuss and Wingnut Dinger, pictured on July 17, 2020.
Rothfuss, 42, has now been an outrider at the Pennsylvania track for 24 years, and the importance of the outrider's duties and the rush of pursuit is not lost on her whatsoever. In all honesty, how can it be?
“We’re running 30-35 miles per hour when we chase,” Rothfuss said.
To read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)