Racing's Future: Kami Robinson

“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 Kami Robinson

From Oklahoma, 18-year-old Kami Robinson has been a fan of horse racing for as long as she can remember, as her grandfather was a trainer. She is currently a pony girl and has a few racehorses of her own in training with Boyd Finnell.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

Growing up on my grandfather's farm, racing was the only thing that ever interested me. I have never wanted to do anything else.

What do you love about horse racing?

The people I meet. I get to have friends all over the country. They all have something to offer, and there is so much left to learn.

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

Just some? There are so many great people out there. I admire Brent Charlton, a local Texas/ Oklahoma trainer; he has the most realistic approach to training. Working for Brent was probably the most valuable experience I could have had. Steve Asmussen is another one. He has such high standards for everything, I have learned a lot from merely observing his system of management and care. His horses have every opportunity to succeed.

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

Bloodlines. It's a good thing I'm surrounded by some smart people, because personally I can't tell you much about today's breeding: what is a good cross, what isn't. My attention span is far too short.

What racetracks have you been to?

Lone Star Park, Remington Park, Sam Houston, Churchill, Fonner Park, Oaklawn, Prairie Meadows, and Will Rogers Downs.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Remington is home, but I really love Lone Star. It is absolutely gorgeous, the barns are great, the racing office staff is easy to work with, and my horses really seem to like the surface.

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

Santa Anita. It's kind of like the Mecca for us; everyone has to go once before they die.

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

Last year I was working for a guy, and he told me to stick around after the last race; he was going to claim a horse. It happened to be a horse I'd had at my farm earlier in the year that I had really liked. I never thought I'd see him again. Imagine my surprise when I saw the groom leading that horse out of the paddock that night.

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

While I'm partial to my own horses, Zenyatta is the queen for sure. Before? Assault, the club-footed champion from Texas.

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

I'd get the drugs off the backside. The people kind. I've seen too many good people lost to the hardcore drugs.

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

Lack of exposure. You will either love it or you won't, but how will people know if they never get to see it? It's especially hard nowadays; TV stations either don't take it seriously or have more "instant gratification" type programs to show. I don't know of any radio stations that mention it; they used to.

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

I definitely think it is the narrow-minded misconception about the medications the horses receive. It is so hard to get people to realize that just because the horses get medication from time to time, doesn't mean that they run "doped up". Like omeprazole for ulcers, or clenbuterol for a cough, all people hear is "drug", and it is pretty much impossible to convince them that we aren't evil after that.

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

The only way I know of is to take them to a track. They will either love it or won't care for it all.

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

I don't know for sure. Ponying is keeping food on the table right now, but I don't plan to do this forever. I may become a trainer, but I need more mileage before I consider that. The one thing I know is that I will live and die in this.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I wouldn't say I've really accomplished much! Right now I'm just getting a couple of horses ready and getting ready to make a go at it.

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

Winning any stake would be nice, but honestly just helping a few guys out, having a good pony horse, and paying the bills is more than I could have expected or asked for.