SARATOGA, N.Y. -- Sheila Rosenblum's childhood was completely consumed by her first love: ballet.

“I started life in Switzerland. My family moved to Miami when I was four.Ballet was my entire life," Rosenblum said. "I would have defected to Russia if my parents didn’t let me go to New York at 12 and 13 and then I went to the Royal Ballet School for two years in London.”

Achieving great success on stage, she parlayed dancing into new ventures.

“I got a little sidetracked and found out there was a little world beyond ballet called modeling, beyond working quite so hard," Rosenblum said.

As a high-end fashion model, Rosenblum achieved considerable notoriety and fortune: something that eventually introduced her to her latest passion.

“I went to the racetrack once in my twenties and I said ‘one day I’m going to own a racehorse.’ The key word is ‘a racehorse,’ I didn’t know it would turn into a full-fledged business," Rosenblum said.

Five years after purchasing her first thoroughbred, Rosenblum is most definitely a full-fledged player in the racing game. 

“This is not a hobby, no, no, this is a full-fledged business and I give the beginning credit to La Verdad,” Rosenblum said.

2015's Champion Female Sprinter, La Verdad is the best horse to wear the Lady Sheila Stables silks so far.

“I’ve had some great luck and I think to win an Eclipse Award early in one’s career is quite something,” Rosenblum said.

Seven months after La Verdad's retirement, Rosenblum is finding more success with a new filly, Hot City Girl, winner of last week's Union Avenue Stakes at the Spa.

“She’s now Grade 1 placed and a Grade 3 winner, she’s going in the right way," Rosenblum said.

However,  Rosenblum's aspirations stretch well beyond winning races.

“My goals are to bring more and more women into this," Rosenblum said.

Fueled by her lifelong competitive spirit, the former dancer and model says the only thing currently bringing her more joy than her horses are her two children. 

“I’m a horseman," Rosenblum said. "I mean, I’m a small fry next to the best in the world, but I just love to be around the horses.”