Mrs. Whitney bought out Coucci's contract and in 1932 the seventeen-year-old jockey burst onto the American racing scene with such success that he was being hailed as "The second Earl Sande." That year he rode Greentree Stable's Easy Play to victory in the Spinaway Stakes and for owner Morton L. Schwartz was aboard Gusto for his wins in the 1932 American Derby as well as in the Arlington Classic which at the time had the largest purse of any American horse race.
Mrs. Whitney's acquisition of Coucci's contract marked a significant turning point for the young jockey, who went on to make a lasting impact on the American racing scene in 1932. He was hailed as "The second Earl Sande" due to his impressive performances, including victories in the Spinaway Stakes and Arlington Classic.