Margaret Palomino’s journey into the horse racing world began serendipitously when she met her future husband, Juan Palomino, a jockey originally from Peru, at Suffolk Downs Racetrack in Boston in 1973. After Juan’s extensive jockey career across the U.S. and Mexico, the couple moved to Florida, where they transitioned from racing to horse ownership and breeding. They purchased racehorses at auction, established a breeding farm in Reddick, Florida, and worked closely with trainers to raise and race their horses, embracing a new facet of the industry.

Over the years, the Palominos developed a deep connection with their horses, notably Imperial Brew, a gray colt known for his strong finishes, and Band Sweetheart, a tough, compact sprinter with a successful racing record. Despite Juan’s recent passing, Margaret remains committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to race and care for their horses, emphasizing the dedication and care required behind the scenes to prepare horses for the racetrack.