Racing's Future: Delaney Witbrod

“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 Delaney Witbrod

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, 18-year-old Delaney Witbrod currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she attends the University of Kentucky in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management. She has been actively following horse racing since 2009 and currently promotes horse racing through her Instagram account, @racingthewonders.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

The interest first sparked with the name Smarty Jones – Breyer released him as a collectible. I fell in love with the idea of racing horses at a young age but didn’t have a direct way to follow it. Over the years, I heard the names of different Derby winners but never got to watch the Kentucky Derby myself until 2009 with Mine That Bird’s victory. The longshot had me hooked.

What do you love about horse racing?

The atmosphere as a whole. The people, the horses, the excitement of the crowds and the adrenaline that courses through you when those gates fly open. One of my favorite quotes talks about how a racehorse is the only animal that can take an entire crowd on a ride at once, and it’s completely true.

I also love that horse racing is never constant. There are no guarantees in the sport; it’s a risk. Nothing will ever be the same and there’s always a chance for the longshots.

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

Penny Chenery may not be a part of the active racing industry anymore but she has been my idol for years and was a huge inspiration for getting into the industry myself. In the industry today, I admire trainers Bill Mott and Doug O'Neill – they are both so incredible to their own horses and to racing fans.

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

I think the biggest aspect that I would like to know more about is what happens behind the scenes on race day, or exactly what is done leading up to the day of the race. I also wish to learn more about the training of horses on the track.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to both Keeneland and Churchill Downs; however, I have only seen live racing at Keeneland.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Keeneland. It was the first place where I was able to see live racing and it already holds so many memories with the people and horses I have been able to see and meet.

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

Of the many tracks I want to visit, I think Santa Anita takes the top. The track is gorgeous and there is so much history on the track. I would love to see the statues there as well.

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

So many wonderful things have happened that it is hard to narrow down the best.

To start with the obvious, many moments come from the one and only American Pharoah. I remember watching his Triple Crown races on TV, as well as my feelings of disbelief as he led the field home in the Belmont. I never thought I would be in the same lifetime to see a Triple Crown win. But I got to do more than just be in the same lifetime as a Triple Crown winner, as I got to see him in person: both his arrival to Keeneland and his dominating victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. The dream continued on into this week when I was able to see him happily standing at Coolmore.

I have also gotten the chance to meet some incredible horses this year. I was able to meet Wise Dan before he retired, California Chrome before he headed back to training and Runhappy a week before his Breeder’s Cup win.

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

Anyone who has talked to me for more than a span of five minutes knows that my favorite racehorse is Secretariat, but Phar Lap, Silver Charm, Alphabet Soup, Cigar and Alydar are a few others of my favorites who raced before my lifetime. Of the horses who have raced during my lifetime at some point, Lava Man, Wise Dan, Rachel Alexandra, Shanghai Bobby, Dortmund, Runhappy, Bailoutbobby and Isotherm fill the list. It is a big list that is difficult to narrow down!

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

Breeders and owners need an incentive for building a stronger, longer-lasting horse. The sport as a whole would benefit – the fans, trainers and especially the horses. Too often, we see a horse’s career end too soon with an injury of some sort.  

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

The biggest misconception about horse racing that so many people believe is that the owners and trainers are only in it for the money and that no one cares for the welfare of the horses.

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

I would take them to my favorite racetrack and let them be in the atmosphere of live racing. They would get to see the beautiful equine athletes up close in the paddocks before heading the rail to watch the Thoroughbreds do what they love: run. The enthusiasm from the crowd is large enough to draw anybody in.

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

I am still in the midst of deciding and currently exploring my options. I would love to be an outrider on the track, but in the long term I think I would like to be a trainer. I know whatever I end up being, I want it to give me the option to be near the racetrack itself.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I promote horse racing on my Instagram account and work at RimRoc Farm, which is a training facility for racehorses. I also consider myself an amateur photographer, and the photos I take at the track end up on my Instagram account.

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

If I was to take the trainer route, I would go with the obvious answer and say that I would like to win the Kentucky Derby. But on a more personal level, whatever I do end up doing, I want to have a good influence on the industry and help it grow with a good name to make the sport better than ever.