‘Cookin’ Wit Cat’: Trainer, Chef Catalano Shares More Thanksgiving Cooking Tips – Horse Racing News

by Churchill Downs Media Office|11/19/2023|7:54 pm

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 accomplishments, he may have as many recipes as he does in the winner’s circle pictures.

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

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

“I can’t reveal too many secrets about her recipe, but the key is always making sure there’s enough cinnamon and plenty of marshmallows on top. I no longer need to lose weight like I used to drive, and Thanksgiving is 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 contention between Churchill Downs and the Fairgrounds. A 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 has a regular turkey for the main course, but we always choose three sides: baked macaroni and cheese, oyster stuffing, and a sweet potato casserole,” Catalano said. “From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.”

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

After the Thanksgiving holiday, Catalano travels to the Fair Grounds for the winter season where he is sure to share his favorite Cajun cuisine on his X account @CatRacingStable.