Amplify Horse Racing

The application period for the Fall 2026 session of the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program is now open, according to an organization press release on Tuesday. The mentorship, which connects youth and young adults with experienced professionals across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, was launched in 2021. Applications will remain open through Tuesday, June 23, and participation is free. Designed for individuals ages 15-25, the three-month program provides structured career exploration, individualized guidance, and direct exposure to the Thoroughbred industry. No prior horse experience is required, and applicants must...

On Thursday, May 7, MGSW United (Giant's Causeway) walked down the ramp of a Sallee Horse Vans trailer and onto the grounds of Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky. It was his first day of school, and the Bryan Station students' heads could be seen pressed against the glass of every classroom window facing him to catch a glimpse of a horse in their schoolyard. For the next two hours, students came outside to visit United, classroom by classroom, meeting the embodiment of what they had spent the previous...

Mohammad Alkhairat is a big believer in the idea of going back to hand that opened itself to you when you had nothing. At just 20 years old, Alkhairat is already working to return the favor to the people who helped him get his foot in the door in horse racing. After being turned down time and time again when he first attempted to get involved in the sport, Alkhairat is grateful that he was given a chance. Now a member of the Diriyah Bloodstock team, Alkhairat has had a...

Growing up, Rebecca Thompson West found herself fully immersed in the agriculture industry, from taking care of her mother's retired show horses to later joining the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Through these experiences, she developed an appreciation for working hands-on and developed a skillset that would serve her long-term. However, when it came time for West to head off to college, she felt an opportunity had revealed itself to break the mold from a life she'd always known and branch out on a new path. Attending West Virginia University...

Amplify Horse Racing is accepting applications until Tuesday, Jan. 27 for the Spring 2026 session of its mentorship program, an educational initiative connecting youth and young adults with experienced professionals across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, the organization said via a press release on Tuesday. Designed as a three-month hybrid experience for ages 15 to 25, the Amplify Mentorship Program provides structured career exploration, individualized guidance, and direct exposure to the Thoroughbred industry. No prior horse experience or specific academic criteria are required. Applicants must reside in the United...

Damon Thayer and Liza Hendriks have been named to the board of directors of Amplify Horse Racing, the organization announced Monday. "Since leaving the Kentucky Senate last year, I have been looking for a way to give back to the racing industry that I am passionate about," Thayer said. "Amplify Horse Racing's mission is much-needed and worthy of support, and I am honored to have been asked to join the board and look forward to working with the team to connect young people to careers in the industry." Hendriks founded...

Amplify Horse Racing, the national organization connecting youth to the Thoroughbred industry, closed out its 2025 season  of outreach with a busy week in November. Amplify began the week by welcoming over 75 students and 4-H leaders from 11 different states participating in the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup to a Thoroughbred Industry Discovery Day at Keeneland. Students heard from industry professionals about racehorse training and equine safety, explored the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, and joined a lunchtime career activity that connected them directly with mentors and employers in...

The annual end-of-year student networking event hosted by Amplify Horse Racing will be held Monday, Nov. 10 at the Keeneland library, the group announced Friday via press release. Set to begin 4:00pm and run until 6:00pm, the theme for this year's event is 'Storyteller Night: Exploring Careers in the Thoroughbred Industry'. Students, educators, industry and community members are invited to spend the evening storytelling, exploring careers, and establishing meaningful connections within the equine industry. Students will be offered an accessible way to meet professionals, explore pathways, and learn how diverse...

Tomorrow's Front Runners is a TDN series spotlighting young people who got involved with horse racing through Amplify Horse Racing and are now pursuing careers in the industry. Amplify is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to amplifying education, mentorship and career opportunities for young people in the Thoroughbred industry.   At just 15 years old, Ashton Brooks has always known that her life was destined to revolve around horses. The only question was how she could translate her passion into a profession. Brooks has been riding horses since almost before she...

Tomorrow's Front Runners is a new TDN series spotlighting young people who got involved with horse racing through Amplify Horse Racing and are now pursuing careers in the industry. Amplify is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to amplifying education, mentorship and career opportunities for young people in the Thoroughbred industry. For Matt Scull, it all began with the annual family reunion at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. At the age of five, it was just something to do. He'd take the $20 bill from his mom and share his picks...

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame along with Amplify Horse Racing have partnered to launch 'The Winner's Circle Summer Camp', an immersive four-day experience aimed at introducing high school students to the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing, the group announced Tuesday. Taking place Tuesday, July 22 through Friday, July 25, in Saratoga Springs, NY, 'The Winner's Circle Summer Camp' will give participants access to some of the sport's most iconic locations and career opportunities. The four-day camp combines classroom-style learning at the National Museum of Racing and...

Amplify Horse Racing is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 session of its Mentorship Program. The deadline for applications is June 24 at 11:59 PM ET.  The fall session will run from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31. The free program is designed for individuals aged 15 to 25 who are curious about careers in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry with no prior experience or academic qualifications required. Amplify is also seeking qualified mentors with substantial industry experience who are willing to meet training, background check, and time commitment...