Dominique Damico, a lifelong horsewoman from Pennsylvania, reached a significant milestone on August 9 when Diciassette, a 2-year-old colt she bred, won the Proud Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park, marking her first stakes win as a breeder. Damico, who started Ramble On Farm in 2003 and relocated to Ocala, Florida in 2022, ventured into Thoroughbred breeding in 2020 alongside her boyfriend. They now own about 18 broodmares and have bred numerous winners, with Diciassette standing out as a particularly promising colt sired by Mitole and out of the mare Im a Dixie Diva, whom Damico purchased for $2,500 in 2021.

Damico was drawn to Im a Dixie Diva due to her strong pedigree as a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Mor Spirit, despite her own modest racing career. The decision to breed her to Mitole paid off, as Diciassette remains undefeated in two starts and was sold for $100,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Damico reflects on the steep learning curve of Thoroughbred breeding but embraces the ongoing education and success, feeling fortunate for the achievements so far.