Joe Ioia’s journey into horse racing began unexpectedly after purchasing a horse-assessed property in Colts Neck, N.J., in 2004. What started with one horse quickly grew into a passion, leading to the establishment of Prancing Horse Farm, which now boasts 55 horses, all New Jersey-breds, bred and trained on a 65-acre farm. Partnering with trainer Chuck Spina for nearly two decades, Ioia’s stable has risen to prominence, topping the owner standings at Monmouth Park with 14 wins heading into the final weekend of the meet. His success is attributed to a strategic shift toward better breeding and purchasing, highlighted by notable horses like Bustin Out and Jasper’s Pride, the latter competing in the 2024 Haskell Stakes.

Despite early struggles, including a disappointing 2021 season, Ioia’s persistence paid off with an owner’s title in 2022 and consistent top finishes in subsequent years. His achievements are especially meaningful given the all-New Jersey-bred roster and the long-standing team supporting him, including his wife Gayle, who names the horses, and farm manager Sergio Rabadan. With horses like Mia’s Crusade aiming for historic wins, Ioia considers leading Monmouth Park’s owner standings a significant accomplishment, reflecting both his dedication and the strength of his team.