Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. For this issue, the focus is on Maylan Studart, one of the fresh young female faces on the NYRA jockey scene. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this 19-year-old apprentice rider just recently arrived in the United States. She registered her first New York win in stylish fashion, bringing home Decorated Court at 51-1 on opening day during the 2008 Fall Aqueduct Meet, Wednesday, October 29.

Studart lives with her husband, Mauricio, in Franklin Square, NY.

Q: How did you first get involved with horses?

From a young age, I was involved with show jumping and was always around horses. But in 2005, my family went through some very difficult economic times, and I was forced to stop show jumping. Because I really wanted to still be around horses, I enrolled in the apprentice jockey school in Brazil. Within three months I decided that riding racehorses was what I wanted to do with my life. I sacrificed my social life for horse racing. And I love it.

Q: When did you come to the United States, and what factored into the decision?

I actually lived in California from the ages of 7 to 11. My mom moved there with my stepfather, and I really wanted to be with her. I adopted the American culture for four years. When I was 11, my stepfather became ill and we moved back to Brazil. After a month I wanted to go back to the United States, but my father said no. It took me three years to re-adapt to the way that people live in Brazil. Things in the States are much more correct. There isn’t the high level of corruption that exists in Brazil. In an online conversation, I ended up meeting John DaSilva, a racing columnist for the New York Post. After a year-and-a-half of speaking with him, he introduced me to a trainer in Brazil, JJ Graci, who signed my immigration petition. At that point I knew that I was ready to come back to the States.

Q: Your riding career in the United States began at Calder. What was that experience like?

It was great. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to ride horses. You see, in Brazil I would ride 15 horses for free in the morning and then usually four in afternoon races. It wasn’t enough to make a decent wage. In that respect, I was thrilled to arrive at Calder. At the start I felt alone, since my husband hadn’t arrived yet, but [jockey] Manoel Cruz really helped me adapt to Calder and to Florida-living in general. He was a fantastic friend and made my Calder experience a comfortable one.

Q: Your first two wins both came at Calder on August 13, and your first stakes win came two weeks later on Got Clearance. How much of a thrill was that?

It’s funny, the first horse I rode at Calder was Got Clearance for Michael Jablow. I had been riding her in the mornings, and kept begging Michael to let me ride for her debut, but the owners were resistant. However, when the overnight came out, I was named as Got Clearance’s jockey! We finished fourth that day, but she won her next two starts, including the stakes races. I am really thankful that Michael let me ride her and for all of the things that he taught me.

Q: How did you decide to come to the New York circuit?

I needed to go somewhere for the winter. I had mentioned to some people that I might try to go to New York, and their response was that I was crazy. They said I wouldn’t be able to break in there. That was a scary thought. So I asked John [DaSilva] and he told me that if I got the apprentice weight allowance I should go to New York. I did that and decided to go there for a test drive. I bought a one way plane-ticket since I had no idea when I was coming back. I got here on October 18th and my agent, Joe Ceraulo, already had me on three mounts that day! I decided I would stay in New York.

Q: You got your first New York win on Decorated Court at 51-1 on Aqueduct opening day. How exciting was that?

I knew I had a shot after looking at the past performances, and when I got on her that day I could feel that she was happy and was ready to run a big race. The trainer told me to wait behind the front runners and make a final run. So I did exactly that, and found a little hole in the stretch. My filly burst through for the victory. It was an extremely exciting day!

Q: How have you been received by your fellow jockeys?

I have been received very respectfully. They have been trying to teach me what they know, which is great because I have so much to learn. I listen to them, and watch them, and pick up anything I can. The New York riders are the best in the world, so if I don’t listen to their advice, I am just being stupid!

Q: The jockey profession is predominantly male. Has it been hard for you to break into the sport?

In Brazil it was very difficult to get noticed as a female jockey. That’s actually why I started to do some modeling. The culture there is so driven by celebrities that modeling was a surefire way to get attention. I consider my time in Brazil as an investment for being able to ride now in the States.

Q: You are the only woman from Brazil that is riding professionally in the World. That must be very significant for you.

In Brazil, I was one of four women riding in the entire country. That’s a real shame. There is a bias there against women in the sport. Here in the States, everywhere on the racetrack there are women working in different jobs. It’s about what you do and how you do it, not who you are. I love that about America, and it’s the main reason that I came here. I know that if I work hard in this country, things will work out.

Q: You worked as a stuntwoman in Brazil. Tell the fans what that was like.

That was really cool. I needed money so I did stunt riding on horses for soap operas. One of the most exciting aspects of that job was getting to meet some of the biggest Brazilian soap opera stars, including Lima Duarte.

Q: You were recently able to do an interview on Fox News Channel for their show Fox & Friends. I know you are a big fan of that show. How much fun was that?

When I was walking into that studio, it was the most unbelievable feeling. I used to watch Fox & Friends every day in Brazil when I came home from work, so to be on that show was a completely surreal feeling. I got to see all of these people that I had watched on TV. They were like normal people. I didn’t expect it.

Q: What are your major goals?

My goal is to be able to stay in New York as a rider. So I am trying to learn and get in the game and make as much of an effort as I can. I’m not perfect, and I hate that. I want to be a top rider, and I am going to do my best to get to that level.

Q: How would you describe your riding style?

My riding style really differs depending on what horse I am on. But the break is the most important part of the race, so it is important to help your horse break well. To do that, you really need to trust the gate guys to put your horse in the right position. In addition, you need to leave the perfect amount of slack on the reigns so that your horse can break well, and you must always look at the door. Once you see any crack of opening you have to go, and that is how you get out well. With the horses that are slower at the break, it’s important to let them settle into a comfortable rhythm at the start. In addition, I always try to save ground, because that is the shortest way to the wire.

Q: What is your routine each day before you ride in the afternoon?

I work out horses in the morning every day. That is basically my “gym.” It also helps me practice and refine my riding ability. Then I arrive to the Jockey Room early to prepare mentally for the races. I watch replays, take a look at the program, and get into the racing mood. I also have a few superstitions. I always put my right boot on first, and I always grab the first whip that I look at.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a jockey?

Being on the horses is definitely my favorite part. Once I’m down on the ground I am a different person. But when I am on the horse I feel warm, cozy, and comfortable. We have a silent conversation.

Q: What are the most important traits for a successful jockey to have?

You must be hard working, focused, devoted, and trustful of your instincts and reflexes.