Reality Check: Deanna Manfredi *94

American Dream Derby (2005) – Grand-prize winner

American Dream Derby is an American horse racing-themed reality show that aired on the Game Show Network. The series featured 12 contestants competing for a grand prize of $250,000 and a stable of eight thoroughbred horses through elimination-style challenges. The live finale featured three finalists, plus five eliminated contestants who had received the highest number of viewers’ call-in votes, choosing from the eight horses for the final race that determined the champion.

Most vivid memory:

Without question, my most vivid memory of the show was the moment my horse, Avenueofknowledge, hit the finish line in front at Santa Anita, meaning I had just won $250,000 and eight thoroughbred racehorses.

The reason I wanted to be on the show was because I really knew a lot about horse racing and absolutely adored the sport. My family has been involved with it for four generations and I grew up with thoroughbreds. I won because my knowledge base far exceeded that of any of my competitors, who were largely there to get face time on television — I was there to win the horses.

About her winnings:

I started a racing stable, of course! I am managing partner of Ascoli Piceno Stables, LLC located in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is a vertically integrated thoroughbred operation spanning from broodmares and foals to horses in training. I’ve grown the stable from the initial eight horses I won on the show to 28 horses today, and it’s still growing. In 2009, we produced 1 percent of all thoroughbred foals born in Pennsylvania. I’m racing primarily at Philadelphia Park and hope to produce a winner of the Pennsylvania Derby.

Do it again?

In a heartbeat! Horse racing is the most wonderful sport in the world. 

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