Networking and making the right contacts gave Ben Gowans, who had no familial ties in the business, a jumpstart and now a firm foothold in the world of Thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Gowans, 28, works for one of the world’s most prolific and respected breeding and racing entities, Gainesway, located near Lexington. While he oversees bloodstock and racing at Gainesway, Gowans also has his own outside clients.

Joe Scurto has worn many hats in his three decades-plus, but the one he believes best encompasses his passion and experience is “racehorse ownership evangelist.” By that, he wants to “connect people with racehorses in the pasture and on the track.”

Having served as the deputy director of the Minnesota Racing Commission and then the executive director of the Minnesota Racehorse Engagement Project, Scurto has made it his life’s work to grow the sport.