I am not a horse racing fan. Why should I be? I don’t gamble, it is too complicated, it is bad for the horses, and women are not welcome. These are just a few of the sentiments I hear from my friends. Maybe you also believe them. If so, I get it. I understand why these opinions exist, but I am here to offer you a different perspective on areas where horse racing is most often misunderstood.

Racing is too complicated. Open a program or Daily Racing Form for the first time, and it looks like a strange language composed of a sea of numbers, jargon, and acronyms a beginner would not understand. I say put the form down. Racing seems complicated because you are seeing all the information at once. You don’t need speed ratings, pedigrees, and pace figures to enjoy a race. At its core, racing is about the athletes, horses, and humans competing in real time. Racing is layered. The complexity can come later but only when you decide how deep you want to go.

You have to gamble to enjoy a race. Many people engage with the sport by wagering, but there are fans who enjoy horse racing without ever placing a bet. What are they drawn to? First are the fashion and social scenes. There is the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby and the backyard family picnics at Saratoga Race Course. Second is the strategy, drama, and rivalries. Each race only lasts approximately two minutes, which means pure excitement as you are watching split-second decision-making in action. Finally, there are the horses themselves. Not only do horses display pure athleticism, but each has its own personality that can capture a fan’s heart, which leads me to the third myth: there is no emotional connection. Fans follow horses across seasons, travel miles to see them work out at 6 a.m., and display their pictures in their homes. The bond between horse and human is deeply emotional. 

Horse Racing is bad for the horses. I acknowledge fatalities occur. The death of a racehorse is deeply devastating to all those involved, including the fans, which is why the industry is focused on safety reform and new technology to monitor safety and wellness. Horses are not disposable machines but elite athletes with teams dedicated to their care. In my video, I explore that horses are bred to run, how the use of the crop is regulated, and the importance of aftercare when a horse’s racing career is over. The majority of the people who are in the sport love the horses. Caring about horses is not anti-racing. It is central to it.

Trailblazing jockey Diane Crump (Dan Johnson/BloodHorse Library)

Horse Racing is not for women. Women are everywhere in horse racing. They are owners, trainers, jockeys, exercise riders, analysts, veterinarians, and fans. The idea that racing is a "men’s sport" usually comes from outdated media portrayals. Notable women include Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, who made key business decisions that landed him in the history books. Women trainers include Jena Antonucci, the first woman trainer to win a Triple Crown race, as well as Brittany Russell, Cherie DeVaux, and Linda Rice to name a few. Famous women jockeys include Diane Crump, a trailblazer who was the first licensed female jockey to compete at a U.S. racetrack and the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby; and Julie Krone, who was the first woman to win a Triple Crown race. Go to the races today, and you can see Katie Davis, Sofia Vives, and others riding to victory. Also, the Horse Racing Women’s Association was created to engage, elevate, and invest in women in the sport. No matter who you are, this sport is for you.

Have I piqued your interest and you want to know more? Maybe this is the video to share with your friends who you have always wanted to get into the starting gate. If you are new to the sport, want to learn about horse racing, attend your first Kentucky Derby, or are just curious, I invite you to follow and reach out to me. I am here for you, helping you become a fan, one race at a time.