Racing's Future: Alexa Ravit

“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 Alexa Ravit

Alexa Ravit, age 22, is from Long Island, New York and has been a passionate fan of horse racing since she was 10 years old. She is a recent graduate of Cornell University and is spending the 2015 breeding season in Kentucky as an intern at Claiborne Farm, while also blogging for America's Best Racing. Over the past two summers, Alexa has interned at Darley’s Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky and The Jockey Club in New York City. She has been published in The Blood-Horse and The Paulick Report, writing about topics ranging from her favorite horses to national medication reforms. Follow her on Twitter, @AlexaRavit.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

My first experience with horse racing was the 2000 Kentucky Derby when I was seven years old. No one in my family has ever been involved with horses, but I was born loving them, so my parents showed me the Kentucky Derby on television. Following that initial exposure, I started paying attention to the Triple Crown races. Then, in 2003, I fell in love with Funny Cide because he was a New York-bred like me. My parents bought bleacher seats for the Belmont Stakes that year, and the rest is history.

What do you love about horse racing?

My favorite part of racing has always been, and will always be, the horses. I love the beauty, athleticism, competitive nature, and courage of Thoroughbreds. My ideal day at the track is running back and forth from the paddock to the grandstand for each race so I can admire the horses. I also cannot get enough of the excitement and nervousness I feel when the field is approaching the starting gate before an important race. The tension in the air before major events like the Triple Crown races is incredible.

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

Dr. Mary Scollay has been one of my mentors since I was in high school. She helped me with a three-year independent research project on risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses. I have so much respect for her as a person and for her numerous contributions toward the improvement of the safety and welfare of racehorses. She, along with women such as Penny Chenery, Barbara Banke, and Rosie Napravnik, serve as influential role models for me as I progress in the racing industry.

Some trainers whom I really admire and root for are Michael Matz, Shug McGaughey, Graham Motion, and Todd Pletcher.

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

I’ve worked with horses for most of my life, but I’ve only gained experience working with Thoroughbreds in the past few years. I love learning how different people raise/train/care for horses in unique ways while all sharing the same goal of developing champions. In addition, I am always trying to keep up with the various medications given to horses so as to understand their beneficial and/or detrimental effects.

What racetracks have you been to?

Aqueduct, Belmont, Saratoga, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Santa Anita, and Keeneland.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Belmont. It’s my “home” track, and I’ve spent more time there than any of the other tracks that I have been to. I could spend hours just standing around the paddock.

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

Santa Anita during a racing day, Del Mar, Gulfstream, and any of the major racetracks overseas (ie. Ascot, Meydan, etc.)

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

My first big moment was when my parents took me to the Kentucky Derby for the first time in 2005 as a birthday gift. While in Kentucky, I got to pet Smarty Jones at Three Chimneys, which was the first time that I got to “meet” a famous racehorse. As for the Derby itself, my family loved it so much that they’ve gone back every year since (I missed 2012 because of class conflicts).

More recently, meeting Funny Cide, Rachel Alexandra, Ashado, and Cigar multiple times have all been unforgettable experiences.

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

During my lifetime: Funny Cide, Rachel Alexandra, and Ashado. Before my lifetime: Cigar, Man O’War, Count Fleet, Dr. Fager, and Personal Ensign

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

The lack of uniform rules and regulations across the United States.

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

There are several factors that I think limit racing’s popularity. For one, there will always be people who think that any sport involving animals is cruel. Second, racing does not get enough media coverage by newspapers or television stations. This is largely due to horse racing’s diminished popularity as compared to years past. Thus, it’s a tough, frustrating cycle to change. Third, I do not think that the 21st century sports fan has the attention span to wait five to six weeks to see star athletes perform. I’m not suggesting that horses should be running every week, but how can racing compete with daily baseball games and weekly football games? It’s partly for this reason that I am strongly against changing the spacing of the Triple Crown races. Racing struggles to maintain mainstream media attention for five weeks; how would it be kept up for two to three months?

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

That Thoroughbred racehorses live inhumane lives and are seen solely as a means to monetary gain.

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

I think that the best way to attract fans is to immerse potential fans in the sport. Since July 2013, my college roommate has visited me in Kentucky, attended the Belmont Stakes, and most recently, spent a weekend with me in Saratoga. She knew what the Triple Crown was before meeting me, but her knowledge of and enthusiasm toward the sport have significantly increased from petting retired legends like Ashado and Cigar, seeing California Chrome's Triple Crown bid in person, and simply experiencing two days at Saratoga. She still talks about meeting and taking a picture with Rosie Napravnik as one of the "coolest things ever." It's so easy to get close to and interact with racing's stars, and I think that makes the sport easy to connect with and love. I also think that most college-age adults would love to spend a day at the races if they realized everything that tracks have to offer. The fashion, gambling, and social scenes at the track would all be extremely appealing to my peers… if my peers knew that they existed.

What career do you plan to pursue in the horse racing industry?

Ideally, I would like to be a part of a single governing body for American racing. Since that does not currently exist, I'd like to be involved with any of the organizations that serve regulatory functions in racing.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I’m really looking forward to spending the next few months at Claiborne Farm and blogging for America's Best Racing. I’m also happy that my recent op-ed in The Paulick Report about race-day medications seemed to stir the pot. On a regular basis, I try to educate friends and strangers alike about horse racing, especially as a recent college graduate who is asked “What do you want to do with your life?” almost daily.

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

My dream is for American horse racing to have a single governing body. I would consider it a great personal accomplishment if I played a part in the development of such an organization. I have always strived for, and will continue to strive for, making horse racing the best sport it can be for both the equines and humans involved.