Racing's Future: Emily White

“Racing’s Future” is a new 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 Emily White

Emily White, 19, currently attends university in Omaha, Nebraska. For nearly ten years, Emily has been a racing fan and this passion has led her to many racing-related writing endeavors. She is currently employed with a small agency based out of Newmarket called Patience Bloodstock, for which she runs social media and writes pedigree analyses. In addition, Emily writes on her own two WordPress blogs, Horse Sense and Road to the Derby. Follow her on Twitter, @racehorsewriter.

What got you interested in horse racing?

It was not a win but a heartbreaking defeat that got me into the game. I fell in love with Smarty Jones and his pursuit of the Triple Crown and was hooked for life. I had previously been a horse lover and rider, but the 2004 Belmont was the first race I ever watched.

What do you love about horse racing?

The stories that capture my imagination and bring tears to my eyes, and the history that is entwined in the sport. I've never been a gambling fan; I'm more into the pedigree aspect of the sport, but there is absolutely nothing like the exhilaration of horses running past you at top speed.

How often do you go to the races?

Not as often as I'd like. I live in a bad place for live racing... the nearest track with a meet longer than three days is two hours away from me!

What racetracks have you been to?

Belmont, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Prairie Meadows, and Horsemen's Park.

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

When I met Smarty Jones at Three Chimneys, he followed us down the fence, prancing around like the ham he is. I so badly wanted to give him a huge hug around the neck!  A few minutes later, I was honored by an ornery snap of the teeth by Dynaformer (rest in peace big guy!).  It was enthralling to meet these star equines, who really did seem larger than life.

Who is your favorite racehorse of your lifetime? Before your lifetime?

Smarty Jones of course!  Curlin and St. Nicholas Abbey are up there, too.  As for horses before my time, I've always fancied Man O' War, Ruffian, and the great Flying Childers.

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

Fix this drug problem once and for all.  We don't need to inject these wonderful athletes with the concoctions that some create.  The best horses run with their heart, not the poison that might be running through their veins.  We’re slowly crippling the breed and damaging our sport’s integrity.

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

To be honest, it baffles me that it isn't, but I believe that it's linked to what I said above - we get a bad rap from the media regarding drugs and corruption. We clean up the sport, we ramp up positive press, and we might just have a new wave of fans on our hands.  I think breakdowns put potential fans off as well. We need to really emphasize that these are accidents, and that the people working with these animals day in and day out treat them like royalty and love them like family.

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

Like I said above, people misconstrue the sport as cruel and corrupt.  While there are a few bad apples in the bunch - that's every sport, right? - the general atmosphere of horse racing is one of exhilaration and pride.

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

Take them to the track. Standing on the rail and feeling the horses thunder by is the greatest medicine there is. They'll be hooked for life!

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

I would love to get involved in breeding, sales, or both, whether writing is involved or not. I love the races, but I've devoted countless hours in studying bloodlines, conformation, and history, and the sales ring or breeding shed is where my heart truly lies.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I am a freelance blogger and journalist, for myself and for other sites on occasion as well. I also work as a pedigree analyst for Patience Bloodstock, and hope to spend next school year in Newmarket to really get close to the action!

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

I would love to invent something that revolutionizes the industry, whether it be Dosage Index 2.0 or a new nicking system. As I grow more knowledgeable about the industry, I hope to get a better perspective about what the sport really needs going forward. I'm very much looking forward to my future in horse racing!