Page 127 - Speedhorse March 2019

Q: Indiana racing seems to be getting bigger than ever, at least with regard to race purses. What’s it like to be involved with horse racing at the state level right now?
A: It’s exciting. I came in on a banner year for the programs—all three breeds had notable horses on the national stage in 2017. I felt
like it made my job easy. Regional breeding programs are the grassroots for the industry, no matter the breed. It’s a way to get the “little guy” involved in horse racing, and sometimes you have that golden apple. It’s also a chal- lenge because of our location. We fight for mares with Kentucky for the Thoroughbreds, people think Indiana is too far east for
Quarter Horses, but we’re actually perfect for Standardbreds. I first started with the mission to increase awareness of Indiana horse racing to the horse racing industry. Now, my mission is to increase the awareness of our breeding farms and programs to the everyday Hoosier
to get them more involved and to see how much Indiana horse racing does for the state. My position is also unique because Indiana is the only state commission with a marketing program. There are horsemen’s groups that do their own marketing, but as a state govern- ment commission, I believe I’m still the only one. So, I have to deal with some red tape and work with media outlets for special cases. I also have to split my time equally amongst all three breeds, whether it be on social media, market- ing conceptualizing, track visits, etc.
Q: As someone who has worked in the media field extensively, what do you think needs to happen to grow the future of the sport?
A: That’s the million-dollar question for
all of horse racing. One reason I’ve heard track officials say is the number of horses is down, so race numbers aren’t as big, or race cards aren’t as full. There are so many other things com- peting for fans these days, and it’s a struggle. Tracks need to take a look at their offerings on the backside and frontside. I’m proud to say that our two pari-mutuel tracks are very family friendly, with free general admission, and activ- ities for kids, so parents can feel comfortable taking their family out to the races for an after- noon or evening of inexpensive fun. Not many tracks can say that. Also, on the backside, the tracks need to be more accommodating to the horsemen, offer well-kept barns and facilities, do extensive studies on safety for horses and riders on the track. We need to also push how horse racing can be affordable. The influx of
fractional ownership groups has been great to see, because it allows anyone to get involved
in horse racing, no matter their budget. We’ve seen members from Indiana Grand’s group, Grand Gesture Stable, go on and buy a horse of their own, or start a group on their own. I hosted a fractional ownership seminar last year that inspired a new group that was successful in its first year of racing in Indiana, and I plan to host another one this year. Breeder incen- tives should help increase activity in states with small programs as well. On the entertainment aspect, Quarter Horse racing really needs to look at how they can get their sport out to the mainstream like Thoroughbred racing has. Harness racing is lacking in that department as well. But, even a regional television deal for some of Quarter Horse racing’s biggest nights would help increase awareness.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face in your career?
A: Success. I don’t like failure. As the first person to do marketing for Indiana, I have set
a pretty high bar for myself. I want to prove that my position is valuable, and I want to make a difference in Indiana horse racing. I grew up in this state and I grew up in the horse industry. I’ve always been a fan of both, and the opportunity to do what I love in my home state doesn’t come around often. I also want to show my daughter that you can do anything, you just can’t be afraid of hard work.
Q: Is there anything you would like to write about, but you haven’t had the opportunity yet? If so, what is it & why?
A: I’ve been pretty lucky to have the writing career that I’ve had. So, I’ve been able to write
about everything that I love. I have played with the idea of a children’s book for a few years now. I have the concept, I have an illustrator, I just haven’t had the time.
Q: If you weren’t a writer or working in marketing, what would you want to do for your career instead?
A: I’ve never wanted to do anything else but be a writer. Since I was in sixth grade, I planned to be a journalist. I attended Murray State University and majored in Journalism with a minor in Equine Science to marry my two passions. I’ve just been so focused that I never really played with the idea of another career field. But, if I really had to think... perhaps a horse and canine chiropractor. I had wanted to study to do that on the side years ago, just to help pay for my agility and horse shows, but then I had Aubrey!
Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to enter the media or marketing realm of the horse rac- ing industry?
A: Be ready to face some uphill battles. There are times I’ve had to rely on my pas- sion for the industry just to get through some frustrating times. And realize that you’re doing it for the passion. It’s not going to be the type of career that’ll make you rich by any means. Also, network, network, network. Get out to the tracks, get to know the racing analysts and the business. Become a mem- ber of industry groups such as the American Horse Publications, even if you are a student. Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know.
“Regional breeding programs are the grassroots for the industry, no matter the breed. It’s a way to get the ‘little guy’ involved in horse racing, and sometimes you have that golden apple.”
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THE BACKSIDE