Racing's Future: Cameron Decker

“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 Cameron Decker

14-year-old Arizona resident Cameron Decker has been a fan of horse racing for six years. He is currently interning for trainer Sharlot Martinez at Turf Paradise on the weekends to get an early start and work towards his career as a racehorse trainer. Follow him on Instagram, @cam_deckr.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I first became interested in racing at the age of eight, when the movie Secretariat was released. My family and I went to see the movie and I instantly fell in love with the sport. Along with Secretariat, the show Jockeys allowed me to find my passion for the industry.

What do you love about horse racing?

There are plenty of things about horse racing that I love, but the most important thing about horse racing is the rush of adrenaline that I get each time the gates spring open and the horses come charging out.

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

In the industry, I admire so many people that have helped me to get where I am now, and I am not even sure where to start. Kayla Stra, So-Cal rider, has become a great friend to my family. Not only has she provided me with more knowledge about the industry, but she has given me connections to the business that I could not even thank her enough for.

Along with Kayla, I am so thankful for the entire Headley family (Bruce, Gus, Karen). They all have been so generous to my family when we take our trips to Southern California. I have also been taught many things about training from the Headley family. In addition to helping me in the industry, the Headleys have been there for me whenever I need anything. Karen’s son, Berkeley, has become my best friend and I am genuinely thankful for him.

Additionally, Joann and Caesar Dominguez have become people that I not only admire, but they are also people that I can trust. Joann has been there from the beginning of my time in the industry and her husband Caesar has given me so many opportunities.

I also admire jockey Chase Clark and his family. They, too, have been great people towards my family and me. I couldn’t thank them enough.

Finally, I could not be thankful enough for trainers Sharlot and O.A. Martinez. I have only known them a short time but they have given me the opportunity to learn the essentials of training the toughest athletes in the world, the Thoroughbred racehorse. 

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

I wish I knew more about evaluating the health of a horse.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to Santa Anita, Del Mar, Los Alamitos, Turf Paradise, Sunland Park, Ruidoso Downs, The Downs at Albuquerque, Indiana Grand Racecourse and Churchill Downs.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

My favorite racetrack by far is Churchill Downs. Churchill Downs is a beautiful track with quality racing, of course. The track is also in the very beautiful city of Louisville.

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

Though I have not been to it, I would most like to visit Lone Star Park.

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

As far as racing goes, my favorite moment was the 2012 Kentucky Derby when I’ll Have Another passed Bodemiester. As for personal experiences, my favorite moments are those when I wake up every Saturday morning to go intern for Sharlot Martinez

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

My favorite race horses of my lifetime include I’ll Have Another, San Onofre, Right Idea and Storm Quest. As for before my lifetime, my favorite horse is Secretariat. After all, his movie allowed me find my passion for the sport

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

One thing in the sport that I would change would be the surveillance policies. I feel every racetrack should fund 24-hour surveillance on the backside and inside the barn.

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

The one thing that I believe is preventing horse racing from being a more popular sport is the fact that every news source covers the very few bad stories in racing rather than covering the rewarding stories. Yes, of course, some of the good stories are reported on – such as that of American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown – but a majority of the news outlets create a bad name for the sport.

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

Many people believe that the people in the industry are forcing the horses to run and that the horses are suffering. However, that is not true. Racing is in the horses’ blood. They are bred to run.

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

I explain to people that are not avid followers of the sport that there are far more good stories rather than bad stories. I also explain that the horses are bred to race and that they are genuinely pampered wherever they are. Additionally, I show/explain to them what they can do to be more involved.

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

In the racing industry, I one day plan to become a trainer. Horses are my passion and training would allow me to live my version of the American Dream. I plan to never “work” a day in my life since I will be doing something I love.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I am currently interning for a trainer at Turf Paradise on the weekend, as that is the career path I choose to pursue. I have learned so much already, and I barely just started at the beginning of the season, which was the beginning of October. Along with the internship, I am promoting the racing industry in my school. Earlier in the year, I brought jockey Chase Clark to spend the day and speak about the industry to my Equine Science class. Of course, all of the people at my school know my passion for the sport, and I feel like I have already made a small difference that could lead to big things for the greatest industry ever.

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

One day I hope to become a successful trainer. Of course, I would also love one day to win the country’s most anticipated race, the Kentucky Derby.