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.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I was first introduced to horse racing when I was 12 years old but have been around horses my whole life. At the time, my mother worked for my uncles Joe and Bill Martin, who are also horse trainers. Then I started working for them when I was 14 as a groom and gallop boy and an assistant trainer until I was 19, when I took out my own trainer’s license. I have been training on my own ever since.

What do you love about horse racing?

Everything! I love the horses and the pageantry and thrill that come with horse racing. It’s a wonderful sport and I’m hooked for life!

Who are some of the people you admire in the industry and why?

Todd Pletcher and D.Wayne Lukas. Those two are my biggest role models just because the things that they have accomplished in this sport are just amazing.

What aspects of horse racing do you wish you knew more about?

I’d like to know more on a veterinarian aspect. As a trainer, I think things like that would be very helpful.

What career are you pursuing in the horse racing industry and how are you doing so?

I am currently pursuing my career as a horse trainer. I have four horses under my care. I’d love to have a large stable one day, but right now I am very happy with my current position.

Why have you chosen that career?

Ever since I started working with horses at a young age, I would study the history of horse racing and I just enjoyed learning about these amazing animals. I knew then that I wanted to be a horse trainer. I have a deep passion for horse racing.

What racetracks have you been to?

I’ve been to Oaklawn Park, Lone Star, Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Presque Isle Downs, Thistledown, River Downs, Buelah Park, Mountaineer Park, Arlington Park, Delta Downs, Louisiana Downs, Fair Grounds, and Keeneland.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Churchill Downs, by far. I went there in 2010 for the Breeders’ Cup and went to the Derby Museum. Me, being a history buff on horse racing, that was my Graceland!

Of the racetracks you have not been to, which one do you want to visit most?

Meydan in Dubai because I would like to see how things are done differently from racing in America.

What are your favorite moments in your “horse racing life” thus far?

The 2007 Belmont Stakes when Rags To Riches beat Curlin in a stretch duel was one of my favorite racing moments I have witnessed. And my first two wins as a trainer this year at Oaklawn Park both were very exciting!

Who are your favorite racehorses of your lifetime? Before your lifetime?

I’d say Curlin because he was just an iron horse, and Zenyatta – she was just one magnificent racehorse. Before my lifetime, Secretariat and Ruffian.

If you could change something about the industry, what would you change?

I think as a whole, all horsemen (trainers) and owners need to be on the same page as far as rules and regulations go, such as medications and violations, for the whole country of racing.

What do you think is preventing horse racing from being a more popular sport?

Well I think that if there was a way that the youth could be more involved in horse racing that it would become a lot more popular. The youth is the future.

What do you think is the most common misconception about horse racing?

That we mistreat and abuse horses. This is not the case. I’ve seen a lot of love and care given to horses in this industry. And that we force horses to run. If you were to turn out horses in a large field and watch them, they will race each other I believe horses love their job.

How would you convince someone who is not an avid follower of horse racing to begin following the sport?

I would just have that person spend a day with me at the track and with the horses. I think by the end of the day that person would follow horse racing. When you are around these beautiful animals, it’s very hard not to love them.

What is one thing you aspire to personally accomplish someday in the horse racing industry?

I hope to one day be successful in horse racing and get a chance to train good horses. As far as a race I would like to win, that's easy: the Kentucky Derby. That would be that main goal.