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Special to The Review

CHESTER -

Friday night lights in the Ohio Valley . . . the snap of a football . . . the roar of a crowd . . . and throngs of high school students turn out to cheer their team. But, apprentice jockey Arizona Miller's Friday night lights are on the racetrack at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort.

A junior at Beaver Local High School, Miller's Friday nights are anything but typical as he saddles up and sets his sights on the finish line to the sound of thundering hooves and the roar of a crowd.

The 16-year-old Miller began racing in August and already has three wins to his credit, all on horses trained by Alan Crago.

The experience of winning his very first race, however, is a moment unparalleled by any other. Even coming in first in his 112-pound weight category at the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) wrestling tournament last year did not begin to compare with winning his first race.

"It was awesome. I couldn't quit grinning, my cheeks were stretched so tight," said Miller.

The adrenalin rush he gets in thoroughbred horse racing, doesn't just come with a win. Arizona said that every time he rides, sometimes as many as seven mounts per night, he experiences the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing.

"I'm living my dream," he said.

Although Miller began riding at age eight . . . "Quarter horses, thoroughbreds, ponies, anything I could ride" . . . his dream may have taken shape at an even earlier age.

His grandfather, Herman Miller, was an owner-trainer at Mountaineer. It was a family horse named Arizona that "made a lot of money for my family" and for whom Miller was named.

As an apprentice rider, known as a "bug boy," Miller's mounts receive a weight advantage in recognition of his status of still learning the sport. Once he has totaled 40 wins or rode for two years, he will compete on a level playing field.

Miller counts more than one of the leading jockeys at Mountaineer as his role model and he said they are helpful to him.

"They inspired me," he said. "And they watch out for me. I'm still learning and they give me pointers."

Mountaineer's Friday through Tuesday race schedule with a 7 p.m. post time does not conflict with his school schedule. In deference to his schooling, his races are often races scheduled early on the card.

The importance of finishing his education has been reinforced by his agent, Jimmy Isabel, who has told Miller he will only continue to represent him as long as he stays in school.

Miller is saving his winnings and planning for his future.

"I know it's important to get an education," he said. "At 5-foot-9, his days as a jockey may be limited as he matures and fills out. He's looking toward college and perhaps a career as a trainer, or even in race track management."

But, for now, the lights are bright . . . the hooves thunder . . . the crowds roar . . . and Arizona is living his dream.