Racing's Future: Katie Clawson

“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 Katie Clawson

From Brazil, Indiana, 18-year-old Katie Clawson has been a horse racing fan for about six years. She is currently employed by trainer Tom Amoss at Delta Downs as an exercise rider and occasionally ponies races for friends.


How did you become interested in horse racing?

I have always "liked" horse racing, purely because it involved horses. Ones like Smarty Jones and Barbaro got me a little more into it, but once I discovered Zenyatta in 2009, I was in love. It was all over, in a sense, at that point.

What do you love about horse racing?

Really, the thing I love most about horse racing is being at the rail, on a horse, or a viewing stand and being in awe of these amazing horses. I get to be a part of their training, help them safely, and correctly do something they themselves love to do. They run because they can and because we ask them to. That's cool.

What career are you pursuing in the horse racing industry?

Ultimately I am pursuing a career as a jockey.

Why have you chosen to pursue that career?

Since I was eight years old, I've always ridden horses. But I don't have the patience to train and going fast is a blast, so a jockey seemed like a natural fit!

How are you currently pursuing that career?

Galloping keeps me fit and helps build my strength, while working horses and using the Equicizer takes care of the "jockey training" aspect of my career at this point. In addition, talking to everyone I can and getting their advice aids me more than anything.

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

My friends Danielle and Charlie Rosier I admire hugely for the combined time, care, and knowledge they put into the horses they train. Also, Mike Smith, Rosie Napravnik, and Frankie Lovato to name a few. Mike and Rosie's talent is hard not to admire, along with how they present themselves publicly, and all Frankie has given back to this sport is astounding.

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

I like the pedigree, breeding, and sales aspect of the industry a lot and would be happy to know more about it. I wouldn't mind doing something like that one day.

What racetracks have you been to?

The racetracks I have been to are: Indiana Downs, Hoosier Park, Ellis Park, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Turf Paradise, Del Mar, and Delta Downs.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

My favorite racetrack? That's hard. I'd have to say Keeneland. I've never ridden there, but going for the races is something everyone should do. Spring or fall, but I prefer the spring meet.

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

Of the tracks I have not been to, I definitely want to visit Saratoga most. No doubt about that! The quality of horses and racing is great; plus it is one of those boutique racetracks with amazing history.

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

I have been very blessed with lots of cool experiences in racing, but I'd have to say meeting Mike Smith when Zenyatta visited Keeneland, then getting to meet Zenyatta on the farm, and galloping at Churchill Downs are some of my favorite experiences thus far in my racing life.

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

My favorite racehorses of my lifetime are Zenyatta and Barbaro. My favorites before my lifetime would be Secretariat and Ruffian.

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

One thing I would like to change about the industry involves health and safety of jockeys – like what the Jockeys' Guild is doing currently. More advanced equipment, safety measures, and testing for jockeys could go a long way.

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

In my opinion, a reason horse racing isn't more popular is because people and entertainment are both much different now from when racing was the biggest sport in the country. It was a social scene to be at the races and now we don't have to leave our houses to be noticed or to communicate with others. Marketing, along with shorter time between races, could help counterbalance that.

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

I think at least one of the most common misconceptions about racing is that the people working with the horses don't care about them and they're mistreated. Sure, as unfortunate as it is, there are bad apples everywhere, but an entire industry isn't like that.

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

If I were trying to convince someone to follow the sport, I would take them to a track in the mornings to watch horses train. It can be one of the most beautiful things watching Thoroughbreds gallop while the sun rises. Then I would take that person to the races to watch them at their best.

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

It would be great to win lots of races, big and small, ride for as long as I can, and retire being known as an outstanding jockey. But if all else fails, if I could accomplish something in my career, I'd like it to be that I was known as someone honest, who had integrity, and always gave it all I had. And like everyone else, I want to win the Derby and Breeders' Cup races.