Racing's Future: Ashley Mueller

“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 Ashley Mueller

From Texas, 16-year-old Ashley Mueller has been a fan of racing for approximately a year and a half. She currently enjoys taking photos at the track, inviting her friends to the races, trying her hand at handicapping, and connecting with other racing fans on social media. Follow her on Twitter, @PromiseMeSilver, and on Instagram, @promisemesilver.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

Through riding horses, I became familiar with the breed and quickly realized that the Thoroughbred is the best thing on four legs. In late 2013, I read a bit about the Derby trail, and very loosely followed Honor Code. Over the summer of 2014, when Honor Code was recuperating from injury, I branched out to other horses and divisions, and became a fan of the sport.

What do you love about horse racing?

I love being at the track and watching the horses. There's just something about the Thoroughbred that enthralls me. They are the soul of the track.

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

I deeply admire Dr. Larry Bramlage, who's been an amazing veterinarian and successfully saved the career of one of my all-time favorites, Personal Ensign. I also admire Claude McGaughey, as he's conditioned top horses throughout the last 30 years, adapting to the changes in the sport. I also admire Jack Van Berg for the same reasons. Also, I was able to say hello to him at Lone Star this summer, and his dedication to make it out to the track even in old age is amazing. I admire all ethical jockeys for risking their lives every day.

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

I wish I knew more about international racing, as well as all the math utilized in wagering. 

What racetracks have you been to?

I've seen live racing at Lone Star and Retama, and I visited Keeneland during the installation of Polytrack.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Lone Star, by far. It is both a beautiful facility and has a small track feel. I feel at home there, and it was the site of the best night of my life.

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

Definitely Saratoga. I'm fascinated with the history of American racing, and many of my favorites from across the past century have raced at Saratoga. Personal Ensign, Exterminator and so many in between have run there.

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

For sure the two big Thoroughbred stakes nights I've been to, and the two Grade 1 Quarter Horse races this fall. The best of those moments was certainly the night of July 11 this summer, when I went to the Stars of Texas night. I saw so many of my old favorites, and had the first encounters with future favorites. I love Texas racing, and the night celebrated the Texan racehorse. I was given the amazing opportunity to be in the paddock and winner's circle during the Assault Stakes, and I'll never forget that night.

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

My favorite racehorse ever is Promise Me Silver. I can't explain why, but she's been my favorite since June 2014. I also love Wise Dan, La Verdad, Honor Code, Texas Chrome and any horse with a “(TX)” following its name in the program. My favorite past runners include Inside Information, Personal Ensign, Buckpasser, Exterminator, Pan Zareta, Groovy, Two Altazano, Colin, Assault, Stymie and Dr Fager.

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

I would eliminate breakdowns. However, that's not feasible at the moment, so an entirely possible change would be to change big race broadcasts to include more action and fewer prissy celebrities. As a school-aged kid, I know that my classmates are turned off of racing because of the celebrities intended to attract people to the broadcast! If those in charge of the televising of races (mainly NBC and Fox Sports) altered the broadcasts to show other live races across the nation, or showed replays of horses in the televised race to have the casual viewer somewhat informed and able to pick a horse, the sport would be more appealing.

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

Definitely the televising of races (as stated above) and the perception of drugs. Also, many people, even those involved in riding horses, assume that all racehorses are abused and locked in their stalls all day.

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

That all drugs are used for nefarious purposes. While I am of the belief that if a horse can't run without the aid of drugs, he shouldn't even be on the track in the first place, some drugs have legitimate therapeutic purposes. Horses being medicated while out of competition is nothing like the illicit use of cobra and snail venom as a strong painkiller. While drug reform is needed, it is not anywhere near the problem organizations such as PETA make it out to be.

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

I'd take him or her to the track to watch the horses run, and when I get my OTTB, it'd be a good way to introduce friends to the breed. A meet-and-greet with the horse, followed by a trip to the races, would be a nice way to learn about the sport. Thoroughbred aftercare is the way to new young fans.

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

I wish to become an equine surgeon, patching up injured racehorses as well as researching the prevention and treatment of such injuries. I would love to develop ways to treat catastrophic injuries so that more horses can be saved.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I currently do all I can to promote the sport to my classmates, from social media to actively asking them to come out to the races. I recently started to enjoy photography, and am using that platform to get my peers interested in the sport. I would love to do more; however, my parents are extremely opposed to my involvement in racing.

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

I wish to save as many horses as I possibly can, through veterinary accomplishments or adoption of off-the-track horses.