Roglitz beats uncle for first training win

It’s no surprise when someone follows a family tradition and gets into the sport of harness racing. For Jacob Roglitz, having an Uncle, Bill Long, that has won more Ocean Downs driving titles than they keep records for, and Trainer in Allen Long, are great resources to learn the game from.

Roglitz, 22, has been on the board in 10 of 56 drives during the Spring Meet at Rosecroft. However, the acquisition of One Cool Cat, has now added Owning and Training duties for the first time.

On Thursday April 20, Roglitz worked out a great cover journey despite post eight, ironically, following his Uncle Bill in the outer flow. That cover trip produced the first win for the youngster as a trainer and more importantly the one that pays the bills.

“It meant a lot to me that my first training win came the way it did having my Uncle in the race and finishing 1-2. That was a really special moment and my most special win so far,” Roglitz said.

Roglitz’ first driving win came almost a year to the day, as he won at Hoosier Park behind Brooklets Desire for Trainer Jay Hochstetler on April 21, 2022. Roglitz was working in the barn of Jeff Cullipher and credited one of the nation’s top conditioners for getting him started.

“I don’t think I would have ever gotten my license if it wasn’t for Jeff giving me opportunities to qualify some really nice horses. Working for Jeff was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned a lot there, including how to be respectful, organized and detail oriented as a young horsemen.” Roglitz said.

Roglitz purchased One Cool Cat online, and so far he has a win, a third, and most important a check in all four starts since coming to Maryland for Roglitz and his girlfriend and One Cool Cat’s biggest fan, Kayla Pressel.

“I had warmed him up in the past and I thought bringing him to Maryland would present some class relief for him. He’s been a pleasant surprise so far and getting him so farm life on my Uncle’s farm, has agreed with him as well.” Roglitz said. One Cool Cat went winless in 2022 in 25 starts.

Roglitz, like many young horsemen at Rosecroft the past few years, is hoping it can be a launching pad to a bright future like many who have come through before him.

“Your goal is to get where you can drive every night, get in as many races as you can, learn from some good horsemen. I’d like to add a few more of my own to train but I know that’s somewhere down the road,” Roglitz said.

by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway