HRN: Racing's Future: Megan Devine

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Megan Devine


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Megan Devine

22-year-old horse racing fan and competitive equestrian Megan Devine grew up on Long Island, just fifteen minutes away from Belmont Park. She has been a fan of horse sports for as long as she can remember. For college, she moved to Kentucky to attend the University of Louisville, for their accredited Equine Business Program. During the Keeneland meets, she works for TVG as a Production Assistant and guest reporter. She currently works for NBC and NBC Sports for their horse racing coverage including the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup. She also works for US Chia, a company that sells American grown chia seeds for horses. She has also been helping to promote the millinery from Fashion at the Races. Be sure to follow Megan on Twitter (@missmegandevine) and Instagram (@missmegandevine). Also, check out her website, www.missmegandevine.com. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Morning Track Stars: Damien Rock

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Morning Track Stars: Damien Rock


"As the rest of the world remains dark and still, exercise riders arise and head to work. Their morning is not spent in an office, doing paperwork or typing on a computer. Their morning is spent on the backs of Thoroughbreds - animals much bigger than themselves, creatures with minds of their own, large beings that could injure a rider in the blink of an eye. Regardless, these riders work together with these horses as a crucial part of the team that prepares the equine athletes for each race. They do not receive the same recognition that the riders of the afternoon - jockeys - do, nor do they garner the attention that the owners, trainers, or horses do. Despite this and the adversity they face, exercise riders lay it all on the line. For this, they deserve respect.

Please enjoy my second installment of a new series featuring exercise riders ("Morning Track Stars"), featuring Damien Rock, Wise Dan's regular rider. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Natalie Fawkes

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Natalie Fawkes


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Natalie Fawkes

16-year-old Florida native Natalie Fawkes, daughter of trainer David Fawkes, has grown up within the sport of horse racing. She apprentices for the track photographers at Gulfstream Park and exercises and ponies racehorses for her father. Aside from her time at the track, Natalie competes at hunter shows with her Dutch/German Warmblood, Catch A Wave (AKA Malibu). Follow her on Instagram, @natafoxx. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Lane Luzzi

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Lane Luzzi


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Lane Luzzi

17-year-old New York native Lane Luzzi, son of Eclipse Award-winning jockey Mike Luzzi, has been around horse racing for his entire life. An aspiring jockey, Lane is currently working as an exercise rider for trainer Michael Maker. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Thank You, Wise Dan

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Thank You, Wise Dan


"As much as I do not want to admit it, I have fallen behind on following horse racing in recent months despite the fact that the sport is my passion. For several years now, I have devoted endless amount of time keeping up with racing, but during one of the busiest, toughest, and most exciting years of my life, I have begun to lose touch with the sport. I have been distracted by finishing high school, starting college, preparing for and competing at horse shows, and friends. While all of these things are important, I no longer want situations and activities to prevent me from devoting time to horse racing.

I had recognized that I was unintentionally distancing myself from horse racing, but it was because of one horse that made me fully realize that I did not want that to continue any longer – the same horse for which I have held a strong admiration and love throughout his career. That horse is Wise Dan. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Paul Devine

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Paul Devine


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Paul Devine

23-year-old Ohio native Paul Devine, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton with a marketing degree and entrepreneurship minor, has been a racing fan since he was 13. Last summer, he worked at Brookdale Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, working in the office and with sales horses. He is currently just a passionate fan but hopes to get further involved soon. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Alivia Cotter

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Alivia Cotter


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Alivia Cotter

From Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 15-year-old Alivia Cotter has been a fan of horse racing for four years. She promotes horse racing through her Instagram account,@sprinkledinkles, and her YouTube channel, @babypenny9. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Ryan Martin

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Ryan Martin


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Ryan Martin

From Louisville, Kentucky, 21-year-old Ryan Martin believes he is the person most passionate about racing to be featured in “Racing’s Future” to date. Having been a racing fan for about as long as he can remember, his love and passion for the sport began when his dad would take him to Churchill Downs as a little boy. That love and passion that he developed at a young age has only continued to grow. Now an equine business major at the University of Louisville, Ryan is studying to someday work in the racing industry. Last summer, he interned with the Saratoga Special, a newspaper that is distributed during the summer meet at Saratoga. Through this, he was able to interact with many prominent horsemen, including Todd Pletcher, Shug McGaughey, John Velazquez, and Rosie Napravnik. He is currently a tour guide at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and at the beginning of the year was the public relations intern for the museum. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Morning Track Stars: Allyson Walker

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Morning Track Stars: Allyson Walker


"As the rest of the world remains dark and still, exercise riders arise and head to work. Their morning is not spent in an office, doing paperwork or typing on a computer. Their morning is spent on the backs of Thoroughbreds - animals much bigger than themselves, creatures with minds of their own, large beings that could injure a rider in the blink of an eye. Regardless, these riders work together with these horses as a crucial part of the team that prepares the equine athletes for each race. They do not receive the same recognition that the riders of the afternoon - jockeys - do, nor do they garner the attention that the owners, trainers, or horses do. Despite this and the adversity they face, exercise riders lay it all on the line. For this, they deserve respect.

Please enjoy my first installment of a new series ("Morning Track Stars") featuring exercise riders, the first of which features Allyson Walker, Will Take Charge’s regular rider. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Katie Hindt

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Katie Hindt


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Katie Hindt

Katie Hindt, a 15-year-old from Fair Hill, Maryland, has been riding since she was 18 months old and started pony racing five years ago in the Delaware Valley Point to Point Association. She currently races her large Arabian pony, Garrett (AKA Under the Influence), who is a winner at the Genesee Valley Hunt races in upstate New York. She currently works as an exercise rider for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard as a working student and is in pursuit of her jockey’s license. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Sophia Ochoa

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Sophia Ochoa

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Sophia Ochoa

From Washington, 16-year-old Sophia Ochoa has been a fan of racing for about four years. She runs several racehorse fan pages, including Palace Malice's fan page on Facebook. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Shyain Christopher

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Shyain Christopher

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Shyain Christopher

While growing up in Fresno, California, 16-year-old Shyain Christpher has always loved horse racing. Her love for horse racing began when she was 10, when she watched Big Brown win the Kentucky Derby. Her love for the sport intensified when she moved to a home near Golden Gate Fields. She has previously held an internship with Aggie Ordonez, daughter of jockey Pete Anderson, and is pursuing more internships in the industry with hopes of someday becoming a racehorse trainer. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Lone Star Park's 2014 Spring Meet in Photos

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Lone Star Park's 2014 Spring Meet in Photos

"2014 is only halfway over and it has already been one of the craziest years of my life. Between preparing for and competing at horse shows on a larger scale than I ever have before in my life and completing my senior year of high school, life has been hectic. All of these things have been very exciting, but unfortunately, as a result, my time to enjoy and write about racing has greatly diminished.

In years past, I have enjoyed numerous spring and summer days at Lone Star Park. However, this year – due to my busy schedule and Lone Star’s new format of primarily night racing – I made far fewer visits to my home track than I would have liked. Yet, each and every time I was there, I was in my happy place. And this year, I was sure to make memories that last forever – in the form of photographs.

Unfortunately, I was only able to be in attendance for one of Lone Star’s stakes races during this year’s Thoroughbred meet: the Lone Star Park Handicap (gr. III). However, I enjoyed all of the racing I was in attendance for, as well as the morning works I made it out to see and my visit with 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Lone Star is not a major headliner and has fallen upon hard times, but it is my happy place.

Please enjoy 25 of my favorite photographs I took at Lone Star this year. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Kami Robinson

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Kami Robinson

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Kami Robinson

From Oklahoma, 18-year-old Kami Robinson has been a fan of horse racing for as long as she can remember, as her grandfather was a trainer. She is currently a pony girl and has a few racehorses of her own in training with Boyd Finnell. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Casey Laughter

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Casey Laughter

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Casey Laughter

20-year-old Ohio native Casey Laughter, who has been a racing fan since 2003, is currently a journalism major at her local community college. She frequently submits articles to Horse Racing Nation through the Be a Turf Writer feature. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Adam Dobric

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Adam Dobric

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Adam Dobric

Adam Dobric became a fan of horse racing when he was 12 years old. Now, at age 21, his love for the sport has led to his career as a racehorse trainer. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: California Chrome: An Ambassador for California Chrome

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

California Chrome: An Ambassador for California

"Only four California-breds have won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Only five California-breds have won the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). Only two California-breds have won the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). No California-bred has ever won the Triple Crown.

But on Saturday, California Chrome looks to not only put this drought to an end, but the drought so many racing fans have yearned to see end: the 36 years that have passed without a Triple Crown winner. Despite twelve attempts since, a horse has not swept the prestigious series since Affirmed accomplished the coveted feat in 1978. As made evident by the many decades that have passed since a horse has won the Triple Crown, it is an achievement that only a truly great equine athlete can complete. The hopes of America will travel with California Chrome to the Belmont Stakes, but the support of one state in particular will be abounding as the blaze-faced chestnut faces the biggest test of his life in New York. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Preakness Stakes Field Analysis

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Preakness Stakes Field Analysis

"As Saturday nears, the focus of racing enthusiasts’ attention rests on California Chrome, the winner of the 140^th Kentucky Derby (gr. I) as he seeks to keep Triple Crown hopes alive in the second leg of the prestigious series, the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). No horse has swept the three races since Affirmed in 1978, leaving fans to yearn for the special horse that is capable of accomplishing a feat that has seemed to become nearly impossible. Could California Chrome be that horse? Before he can chase this coveted achievement at Belmont, he must first conquer his rivals in the Preakness this Saturday at Pimlico. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: California Chrome: Continuing Swaps' Legacy

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

California Chrome: Continuing Swaps' Legacy

"A blazing streak of copper, Swaps was dubbed the “California Comet.” He was the king of the West Coast, the Golden State’s pride and joy. With a victory in America’s most revered race – the Kentucky Derby – and multiple world record times to his credit, Swaps offered the state of California hope as he proved wrong the doubts of many racing professionals and enthusiasts from across the nation. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Kayla Zielke

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Kayla Zielke


"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Kayla Zielke

Kayla Zielke, a 15-year-old from Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada has loved horses all her life but became interested in racing about eight years ago. In addition to barrel racing, Kayla enjoys training colts as well. She has owned three off-track-thoroughbreds, two of which she got at a body condition score of 1 and 2 but nursed back to health and retrained. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: California Chrome: A Derby Dream Come True

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

California Chrome: A Derby Dream Come True

"Goosebumps. Chills. Tears. Smiles. All of these were abundant as the familiar tunes of “My Old Kentucky Home” rang through the air beneath the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs. 164,906 fans – the second biggest crowd in history – sang along to the classic song as nineteen young Thoroughbreds paraded before the expansive grandstand for America’s oldest continuously held sporting event, the Kentucky Derby.

Somewhere in the grandstand stood 77-year-old Art Sherman. A jockey-turned-trainer, Sherman had been here before – but not as a jockey or trainer. In 1955, he was the exercise rider for Swaps, an eventual Hall of Famer who won that year’s Run for the Roses. A California veteran, Sherman’s name has rarely graced the big headlines. Then a blaze-faced chestnut named California Chrome walked into Sherman’s life. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.