all in The Life

What are the odds? What are the odds that the first horse you buy produces a smashing debut that stamps him as one of the nation’s leading 2-year-olds and a top contender for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance?

Success in racing often depends on the ability to spot and acquire talent and to capitalize on opportunities that can present themselves when they are least expected. The distinguished career of 7-year-old gelding Gold Phoenix, headed to the $5 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf for the fourth consecutive year, vividly illustrates the point.

Matt Scull was not born into horse racing but like so many racing fans it probably was always in his blood, in this case thanks to his great-grandfather “Poppie.” From reunions at the racetrack during his childhood to understanding the nuances of betting to trips with friends to U.S. Triple Crown races, he became an avid fan of the sport.

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.

America’s Best Racing has launched a monthly series to celebrate women in racing, explore the challenges they face in what has been a male-dominated industry, and highlight their achievements.

Jessica Paquette knew there would be pressure when Parx Racing named her as track announcer in November 2022, making her the nation’s only woman to hold such a full-time position.

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