Racing's Future: Jordan Sigmon

“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 Jordan Sigmon

15-year-old Jordan Sigmon – from Charlotte, North Carolina – has been a fan of racing since 2008. The owner of a Selle Francais gelding, she shows hunter/jumpers and hopes to someday have a career in the Thoroughbred industry. Follow her on Instagram, @pastthewire, and check out her blog, throughthebridle.weebly.com.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I had been around horses for most of my life, and I was pretty involved in my riding, but I always felt that there was something else out there for me; I just didn't know what it was yet. Then the 2008 Kentucky Derby came around and my whole family was watching it. Sitting there at my TV, watching the horses run was eye-opening for me, and at that point I was hooked for life. Ever since then, I've devoted most of my time to racing, and I knew right away that racing is my future.

What do you love about horse racing?

One of the things I love the most about racing is the relationships that I see built between many of the horses and their connections. Going off of that, it's also amazing to see how much the fans in this sport can love the horses. You don't see things like that in many other sports these days. For me personally, I just love the horses. They're incredible athletes and they're so intelligent. It's just amazing to watch them doing what they love.

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

At this point I really admire Keith Desormeaux. He's really a true horseman, and the way he trains his horses and figures out how to make each one of them successful is inspiring to me. It also amazes me how well he can spot a good horse for a low price at the yearling sales. Because of all of this, I've really started following a lot of his horses this year, and especially with the two-year-olds, it's been amazing to see them grow into successful racehorses competing with the best.

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

I really wish I knew more about what happens behind the scenes. In the past year, I've had the opportunity to expand my knowledge a lot since coming into contact with Erich Brehm, one of the owners of Texas Red.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to Pimlico, Santa Anita and Keeneland.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

I'd have to make this one a tie between Keeneland and Santa Anita. I loved Keeneland because not only did I get to see American Pharoah run and meet Mr. Zayat, but I also got to see three of my favorite two-year-olds: Swipe, Right There and Exaggerator, all of which I've been following since their debuts. Santa Anita is probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to, and I got to see Beholder win the Santa Anita Oaks, as well as see Goldencents win the Santa Anita Derby.

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

Probably Saratoga, which I'm hoping to work out a trip to next summer. I've heard great things about it, and it'd be really cool to visit a place with the kind of history that Saratoga has.

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

For me there are really six moments that really stick out to me. The first is when I came into contact with Erich Brehm, which has opened so many new doors for me in the industry.

The second was when Texas Red won the Jim Dandy this summer. I remember I was at a horse show so I had to watch the race on my phone. When he held off Frosted to get the win, it was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Then when Exaggerator won the Saratoga Special, especially in the way he did it, I was ecstatic because he was the first two-year-old that I've followed since before their debut to win a major race.

In early October my parents surprised me with tickets to go to the Breeders’ Cup and there were two things that really stuck out to me on that trip. The first was getting to see Right There, Swipe and Exaggerator run in person. I'll always remember screaming and cheering Swipe on as they came down the stretch in the Juvenile. The other moment at the Breeders’ Cup was getting to see American Pharoah run in person.

But out of all of my experiences, the day that sticks out the most to me is November 1, 2015 – the day I got to meet Texas Red. I wish he had been able to run in the Breeders Cup, but meeting him in person was a million times better. He was very playful but after a while I figured out that he really liked it when I scratched his muzzle. I will never forget that day.

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

In my lifetime my favorite horses are probably Texas Red, Swipe and Havre De Grace. Before my lifetime would probably be Ruffian, Go For Wand and Swaps.

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

The one thing I wish I could change about racing is the amount of promising broodmares that get sold overseas. So many of them have spectacular bloodlines that I feel our breeding industry could really benefit from.

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

I think there are there are two big things that are preventing racing from becoming a more popular sport. The first is the lack of public it unless it's for the big races (Breeders’ Cup and Triple Crown races). Also I think the rest of the world focuses too much on the bad stuff that happens when they could be seeing all of the amazing things that are happening, too.

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

I think the most common misconception about racing is that the owners and trainers are only in it for the money. But if people would take the time to really look at the sport, they'd realize that this often is not the case.

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

I'd probably tell them about all of the positive experiences I've had since I fell in love with the sport. I'd also tell them that even though there are lows and sad moments, the highs and exciting moments make it worth it. Finally I'd tell them how much racing has changed my life and given me something to look forward to every day.

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

Right now I would like to become a trainer. As of this moment, my plan is to either attend college at the University of Kentucky (Equine Science major) or the University of Arizona (Racetrack Industry Program). After college I would like to participate in the Darley Flying Start program before pursuing a career as a trainer.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

Right now most of what I do is promote the sport on Instagram and through my blog.

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

Of course there's a bunch of specific things that I want to accomplish, but when I put them all together, the conclusion that I come to is that I just want to be a successful trainer. I'd love to do big things but at the end of the day as long as I'm successful and I have the things I need to survive, I'll be happy.I would like to own/breed a Kentucky Derby winner. However, my biggest aspiration is to be successful and happy doing whatever I do in the racing industry.