LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 1, 2025) – In a move few saw coming, Professor and Associate Dean Frank Romanelli, PharmD, has announced his early retirement from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy after more than 25 years of service.
His next act? Becoming a professional jockey.
Long admired for his dynamic leadership in pharmacy education, Romanelli has been a guiding force in academia. But beneath the lectures, research, and marathon medals, another passion quietly galloped on: horse racing.
“This is a dream I’ve held onto since childhood,” Romanelli said. “One of the reasons I came to Kentucky after pharmacy school in the Northeast was the horse culture. While my time at the College has been incredibly fulfilling, there’s something about the rush of the racetrack that has always called to me. I’m excited to take on this challenge and see where it leads.”
Over the past year, he has undertaken an intensive training regimen, including strict dietary adjustments, daily strength and balance work, and countless hours at the track. He has also studied under top trainers, immersing himself in the industry with his trademark intensity and proving he’s not a one-trick pony.
Romanelli will ride exclusively for Cherie DeVaux Racing, a multiple-graded, stakes-winning operation in Lexington, Ky. When asked why she agreed to take him on, DeVaux replied, “Honestly, we didn’t think he’d stick with it. But he kept showing up. Every day, rain or shine. He surprised me with his athleticism and determination. He’s truly a natural.”
Nicknamed “The Italian Stallion” by barn staff, Romanelli has become something of a legend at morning workouts—equal parts grit, grace, and Dunkin-fueled enthusiasm. While most jockeys begin training in adolescence, Romanelli isn’t deterred by the late start.
“I’ve been getting up early and pushing my body for years during marathon training,” he said. “This just shifts the focus a bit. It’s not me doing the running for once!”
“We’ve always supported Frank’s ambitions,” said his mother, Maria Romanelli. “Though, to be honest, we thought this was more of a midlife metaphor than an actual plan. Still, we’re proud of him. And we’ve already bought matching track hats!”
Romanelli is expected to make his competitive debut later this spring. Through what he calls “equine outreach,” he plans to combine racing with education and advocacy. He has already begun recording episodes of a podcast titled Tiny But Mighty, which explores the intersection of performance science and horsemanship.
Romanelli expressed his gratitude to all at the University of Kentucky, as this dream wouldn’t have been possible without his colleagues and friends. This spring, we invite everyone to join us at the finish line as he conquers the next chapter of his life.
APRIL FOOLS'!
While we wish Dr. Romanelli a long and happy retirement when the time comes, he’s not going anywhere just yet—and definitely not to the racetrack (at least, not as a jockey). Thanks for playing along—we hope you got a good laugh! And a special thanks to Cherie DeVaux for letting us play make-believe in her barn.
