horse racing industry

With what feels like the culmination from years of mounting pressure, the volcano of opprobrium over Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) erupted this summer, spilling all over the industry. The debate around CAW players typically surrounds the edge they wield over regular gamblers thanks to their use of sophisticated technologies that allow them to precisely read the markets and to place massive wagers across many pools in the final seconds of betting-sometimes leading to extreme late odds changes-as well as the attractive rates and rebates offered to them which are unavailable...

OwnerView is accepting nominations for the 2025 New Owner of the Year Award--sponsored by 1/ST RACING--which honors a new Thoroughbred owner who has been successful in the sport and has had a positive impact on the industry, the organization said in a press release on Wednesday. Nominees must have made their first start as a Thoroughbred owner in the past four years (since 2022), had an ownership stake in a horse at the time it won a stakes race in the past 12 months, and had a verifiable owner license...

The following represents the conclusion of this look at how long-term  trends in Thoroughbred racing have evolved to the point where a turnaround may be near in the sport's economic fortunes. To read part I, click here. For part II, click here.   Defining Development #6--Blessed are the Survivors As a matter of basic free-market economics, it is possible to view the past 30-plus years of contraction in U.S. races, racing dates, and racetracks as an unfortunate, but necessary adjustment to a changing competitive environment. The Thoroughbred sport, presented to...

by Bill Finley and Dan Ross Throughout his campaign, President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigrants, a promise he has kept during the first few weeks of his new administration. That has created much uncertainly on the backstretches of the nation's racetracks and at the horse farms spread across the country, both of which rely heavily on foreign labor. Should the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) set its sights on racing and start deporting backstretch employees that would mean a major crisis for a sport. A former...

Light Up Racing has launched a Spanish translation feature on their website with the intent to make resources even more accessible to the entire horse racing community, the organization said on Thursday in a press release. The Spanish version can be accessed by clicking the flag icon located in the top right corner of the screen on the website. By offering this option, Light Up aims to bridge language barriers across the industry. "At Light Up Racing, we're focused on empowering industry members to confidently engage in tough conversations," said...

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, now in its ninth year in the United States, concluded Oct. 15 with a ceremony in the sales pavilion at Keeneland, said primary sponsor Godolphin in a release late Tuesday. A total of $122,000 in prize money was awarded across seven cateogries, and FanDuel TV host Todd Schrupp served as the master of ceremonies. This year's awards received additional support from category sponsors NYRA, 1/ST Racing, Keeneland, Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Churchill Downs. The TDN served as one of several media...

Following its inaugural Media & Content Cohort Training in April, Light Up Racing has expanded its fall tour with new sessions to be held at Santa Anita Sept. 29-30, and at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga location Oct. 3-4., Light Up said in a Friday release. Each cohort brings together a diverse group of up to 25 participants from across the industry, including trainers, owners, media professionals, and influencers, all united by a shared commitment to promoting the sport's brighter future and to help shape a positive public perception. "This program isn't just...

Amplify Horse Racing is accepting applications through June 30 for its fall 2024 Mentorship Program, which is scheduled for Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, the educational non-profit said in a press release on Thursday afternoon. The program provides an introductory step for youth and young adults who want to learn more about the Thoroughbred industry by matching them with experienced industry professionals who can offer career guidance. The suggested age range for mentee candidates is 15-25, with no restrictions based on academic achievement. The program is also accepting potential mentors...

Level Playing Field, a sports documentary series featuring a range of stories that illuminate how public policies have contributed to inequities in the sports landscape, kicks off Sept. 14. Produced by Vox and Vox Media Studios, the series will be available on HBO and to stream on HBO Max. Included in the four-part series is "Down the Backstretch," which airs Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 8-8:30p.m. ET. The episode explores how the recent shift in United States immigration policy towards Central America impacted the horse racing industry. With laborers from Latin...