thoroughbred industry

Friday, Apr. 3 was my last day at my dream job. After seven years with the Retired Racehorse Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit, I stepped away from the role of managing director and an incredible team of passionate individuals working towards a simple goal in a complicated landscape: increasing demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. It was the perfect job for someone who grew up horse-crazy, blessed with a way with words but lacking the talent to make it as a full-time horsewoman in any aspect of the industry. I started in...

References on the subject of time are legion. "Time is of the essence." "A stitch in time saves nine." The Rolling Stones sang in 1974, "And time waits for no one." Speaking of endgames there is, "No amount of money ever bought a second of time"--you can use that Tony Stark nugget if you want. In the world of Thoroughbred auctions, everyone from the consignors to the bidders are always racing against the clock. Of course, there is plenty of innovation out there to assist before a decision needs to...

When Andrew Schwarz and his sister Wendy Schwarz-Gilder decided to turn their longstanding enthusiasm for the Turf into a deeper commitment, in 2017, the option that best matched their outlook was a modest breeding program. If that meant taking their time, patiently building each page, so be it. All they knew was that they wanted to work with others of a similar disposition: people who gave time to each other, and to their horses. Schwarz, after all, is a real estate developer in New Orleans. "And in real estate, five...

Bidding commenced Aug. 14 and runs until Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m PT for the major reduction of Harris Farms on Fasig-Tipton Digital, according to a press release from the platform on Thursday. Ninety entries are catalogued as part of the reduction of leading California owner and breeder John C. Harris who participated in all aspects of the Thoroughbred business until his passing at the age of 81 in July. The reduction consists of breeding and racing stock.  Included in the catalogue are: Nu Pi Lambda (City...

I have been personally committed to fighting the decoupling legislation that is under consideration in Florida and wanted to update you on this effort. My goal and hope have been to ensure that our voices--as horse owners, horse breeders, horse trainers and horse lovers--are truly heard throughout Tallahassee this legislative session. The main mission is to unite and strengthen all the different groups--new and old--across the Thoroughbred industry supporting Florida racing and breeding.  While we seek to defeat the decoupling bills, we must protect the industry and its significant impact...

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB) will honor Frank Taylor and the Stable Recovery Program with the Special Eclipse Award for service to the Thoroughbred industry at the Resolute Racing 54th Annual Eclipse Awards Dinner and Ceremony at The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 23, according to a press release from the NTRA on Thursday. Taylor, along with Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler, is the driving force behind that organization and the Taylor Made School of...

Amplify Horse Racing, which promotes education and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry for youth and young adults, is accepting applications for the spring 2025 intake of its mentorship program through Tuesday, Jan. 28, the nonprofit said in a release early Wednesday morning. The program offers an introductory step for young people interested in learning more about the Thoroughbred industry by pairing them with experienced professionals who provide valuable career guidance. The spring session will run from Mar. 1 through May 31. The suggested age range for mentee candidates is...

It has been just over a year since Light Up Racing (LUR), inspired by the Australian-based initiative Kick Up for Racing, was launched in an effort to 'illuminate the path to transparency, awareness and accountability in horse racing' in the United States. As Light Up Racing's pilot year has come to a close, it's safe to say the grassroots initiative has not only become a necessary voice in changing the industry narrative, but also in bridging the gap between those within the industry and those outside of it. "As an...

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, now in its ninth year in the United States, concluded Oct. 15 with a ceremony in the sales pavilion at Keeneland, said primary sponsor Godolphin in a release late Tuesday. A total of $122,000 in prize money was awarded across seven cateogries, and FanDuel TV host Todd Schrupp served as the master of ceremonies. This year's awards received additional support from category sponsors NYRA, 1/ST Racing, Keeneland, Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Churchill Downs. The TDN served as one of several media...

Amplify Horse Racing is accepting applications now through Jan. 31 for the spring 2024 intake of its mentorship program. The program provides an introductory step for youth and young adults who want to learn more about the Thoroughbred industry by matching them with experienced industry professionals who can offer career guidance. The spring session will run from March 1 through May 31. The program is also accepting potential mentors who have over 6 years of work experience in the Thoroughbred or broader equine industry, and can meet the program's minimum...

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) will award $5,000 to Amplify Horse Racing to be used for educational, mentorship, and career opportunities. Amplify Horse Racing's mission is to spotlight careers and education in the thoroughbred industry by supporting and enhancing existing educational and engagement initiatives. In alignment with their mission to support and promote equine education through inclusion and engagement, TERF continues to offer financial assistance to programs in 2023.

In Global Views, Godolphin Flying Start trainees provide insight into practices experienced and observations taken on their worldwide travels. First-year trainee Margaux Herinckx discusses the challenges of growing American turf racing. As many in the American Thoroughbred industry will be quick to tell you, the most coveted prize of all for owners, breeders and trainers alike remains the GI Kentucky Derby, run on a surface synonymous with the U.S. racing scene: dirt. Since its inception in 1875, winners of the Derby--think Seattle Slew, Secretariat, Unbridled and Sunday Silence to name...