Wayne Catalano is approaching 3,000 wins as a trainer and has more than 1,700 victories as a jockey, but aside from his horse racing achievements, he may have just as many recipes as he does winner’s circle photos.

Catalano will be devouring much of the traditional Thanksgiving fare this week, including sweet potato casserole, a recipe passed down from his mother.

“When I left home to go to the racetrack, I always missed my mom’s cooking,” Catalano said. “My mom always made sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving and I always have to use her recipe now for our meal.

“I can’t give too many secrets on her recipe, but the key is always making sure you have enough cinnamon and plenty of marshmallows on top. I don’t need to cut weight anymore like when I used to ride and Thanksgiving is sort of a cheat day for anyone. Don’t worry about making it too sweet or too rich.”

This Thanksgiving, Catalano will not only fill the table with his specialty cooking but he will also have five horses in action between Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds. One day later, while many will be enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, the aptly named Cookn Wit Catman will make his second start at Fair Grounds.

“Thanksgiving is all about tradition and our family we have the normal turkey for the main course, but we always go with three sides: baked macaroni and cheese, oyster stuffing, and sweet potato casserole,” Catalano said. “From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.”

Last week, Catalano shared how he prepares baked macaroni and cheese, which has a special twist that his wife suggested. To read about it, click here.

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, Catalano travel to Fair Grounds for the winter season where he’s sure to share his favorite Cajun delights on his X account @CatRacingStable.