At New Year's time, we thought it appropriate to ask our racing community for their resolutions. Each participant was asked for one racing-related resolution, and one non-racing one. Up today: Headley Bell.
Non-racing:
When we were kicking off Horse Country, a group of us sat down with the editorial board of our newspaper, The Herald-Leader. They were very positive on this industry initiative and described it as such: “Before it was like window shopping; we would drive these country roads and look at these beautiful farms from the outside, knowing we could not get in. Now, with Horse Country, they are going to allow us in.”
My personal resolve for 2018 is to continue, along with our industry, to grow our Lexington community involvement with the horse and all that it involves. The “horse” is at the core of our city and surrounding counties and is a unique asset which allows you to market this community, a community unlike any other. A recent appointee to Lexington-Planning Commission, I have the opportunity to continue to weave our community together. That those living within this community have the opportunity to grow a relationship with the horse is vital.
Racing:
Likewise, we have a similar opportunity to continue to grow our fan base by providing sources to grow the relationship with the horse. At the heart of this is recognizing our audience and the quality experience they desire. There is considerable momentum of change as demonstrated with the racetracks; Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream, NYRA, Santa Anita, Del Mar and on. The Jockey Club and its initiatives like America's Best Racing, Breeders' Cup, NTRA, Pegasus World Cup, Equestricon, and on. And fundamentally, core projects like TAA and Horse Country are taking root and contributing to the whole. My industry resolve for 2018 is continuing to dedicate to growing our fan base and their opportunity to have a positive experience with the horse. It seems I am not alone with this resolve and for that I am most encouraged and thankful.
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