Racing's Future: Madison Feldhahn

“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 Madison Feldhahn

Madison Feldhahn is a 13-year-old racing fan from Texas. She has been a fan of racing for three years now and makes regular trips to her local track, Retama Park. She runs a blog, Retama Ruffian, and has a hobby of photographing horse racing. She has possible aspirations to someday become a bloodstock agent. Follow her on Instagram, @retamaruffian.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

My mom got me a book, Dear Smarty, by Billy Valentine for Christmas. (Back then, anything to do with horses just had to be mine; I got this in December of 2011.) I watched my first Kentucky Derby in 2012, when I'll Have Another took the win from Bodemeister yards before the finish. Later that year, I met a great friend who sent me – and continues to send me Blood-Horse magazines. I just continued to watch the Derby and I guess that's how I got involved.

What do you love about horse racing?

I love the adrenaline rush that comes with your favorite horses winning. I love that I don't have to own a racehorse to be involved in the sport or to enjoy the highs that come with being a fan.

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

I absolutely love Todd Pletcher and one of the main reasons why, besides him being just an all-around awesome person, is that he went to high school minutes away from my house. It's the whole homegrown pride thing, ya know? I also look up to Jerry Hollendorfer because he always puts the horse first. They have to be 100% or they don't run at all. Plus, he trains Shared Belief.

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

I want to know more about the pedigree and breeding side of it. I want to understand what makes good crosses and why this broodmare is chosen over that broodmare. The same goes with stallions. I also want to know more about the management side of the business.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to Retama Park and Sam Houston Race Park, as well as Churchill Downs (though I didn't have a chance to see live racing there)

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Easily, Sam Houston Race Park because it is such a nice track. I feel like it is a hidden gem because it doesn't host dozens of graded stakes races. The staff there is also extremely welcoming.

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

I want to visit Lone Star Park (that way I have been to all of the Texas racetracks), Keeneland, Belmont, Saratoga and Gulfstream Park.

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

I was extremely lucky to have witnessed American Pharoah's Triple Crown win, even though it still hasn't set in that we have a TC winner. I also really loved watching the 2012 Triple Crown races because they were such close races. Outside of actual races, meeting Cigar and Funny Cide easily tops the list.

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

Of my lifetime, Smarty Jones, I'll Have Another, Itsmyluckyday, Shared Belief and American Pharoah. Before my lifetime, Seattle Slew, Unbridled's Song and Ghostzapper (even though I was technically alive for him; I was two).

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

I would like to change the stereotype that you have to be rich in order to own horses. I tend to get discouraged a lot because I worry that I'm not good enough to be in the racing industry because I didn't grow up rich or because I don't have a rich horse background. 

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

I feel that the whole "Sport of Kings" title is preventing people from looking into/becoming interested in horse racing since it does sound as though you must be a "King" to enjoy horse racing.

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

I think a lot of people fall for PETA's "horse racing is abuse" lies. I would say that 98% of owners/trainers/jockeys put the horse first.

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

I would definitely take them to the track because it is such a fun and exciting experience. But don't try to give them PowerPoints and quizzes. It doesn't work out too well. Trust me.

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

I want to become either a bloodstock agent or a stallion/broodmare/yearling or sales manager at a Kentucky farm.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I run a blog, Retama Ruffian, and I get world-wide views (through this, I hope I help people learn about racing). I actively participate on Instagram and Facebook conversations, as well as give non-racing fans the true information that PETA and other anti-racing groups won't give them.

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

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.