Racing's Future: Madison Scott

"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 Scott

21-year-old Madison Scott grew up in Austin, Texas, in a family far removed from horses and the racing industry. Ever since becoming hooked on the sport at age 10 thanks to Smarty Jones, Madison has pursued a career in the industry. Her knowledge of the industry grew as she followed the progeny of Smarty Jones through middle school and high school, sending fan mail and updates to Three Chimneys Farm. That farm put Madison in contact with Patricia Chapman (Smarty Jones’ owner), allowed her the privilege of naming a Smarty Jones colt – Mad for Smarty – while she was visiting the farm in 2009, and later gifted the horse to her once his racing career concluded. She is currently a senior at the University of Kentucky, double majoring in Marketing and Equine Science and Management. During her time in college, she has had work/internship experience at Three Chimneys Farm, Shawhan Place, Northrop Equine, The Blood-Horse, and Fasig-Tipton. In spring 2015, she studied abroad in Co. Kildare, Ireland to gain international experience, working at a stud farm and going racing. In November 2015, she and her boyfriend formed a registered LLC syndicate to purchase a pinhook prospect and became the primary investors.

How did you become interested in horse racing?

I was first exposed to racing in 2004, when Smarty Jones was making his run at the Triple Crown. My family tuned in to watch his Belmont Stakes, the first race I had ever seen. I fell head-over-heels in love with Smarty Jones and the sport instantaneously. After being introduced to racing, a career in the industry was the only path I ever considered. I studied everything I could about the sport, self-educating myself in a family with no interest in horses or racing.

What do you love about horse racing?

It’s the beauty of the horse, the competition, skill, breeding, and history. I could continue to ramble on, because there are many, many things I love about the industry, but could never pin it down to one or two aspects. It’s the combination of everything working in tandem that makes horse racing unique, complex, and beautiful.

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

Jim Bolger is a figure I look up to. His accomplishments as a breeder and trainer are well documented and quite inspiring, especially considering his humble beginnings in the industry. Bolger’s forward-thinking as a strong proponent of scientific research serves as a reminder that even the best must strive to continually improve and reform.

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

I am constantly trying to get a better grasp of the international thoroughbred industry, but it can be difficult to learn another country’s system of racing and breeding when far removed from it. I studied abroad in Ireland during college, working at a stud farm and going racing as often as I could, which exponentially expanded upon my understanding of their thoroughbred industry. Learning about racing in Europe was my primary motivation for studying abroad; I believe that the best way to learn is through experiencing something yourself. I am still learning – not only about European racing and breeding, but in Australia and other areas of the world as well.

What racetracks have you been to?

Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Saratoga, Retama Park, Lone Star Park, Oaklawn, Belmont, Colonial Downs, Turfway Park, Kentucky Downs, Parx, Laurel, Pimlico, Ruidoso Downs, Newmarket, Cheltenham, Fairyhouse, Navan, Naas, Punchestown, Leopardstown, The Curragh and Dundalk.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Keeneland has become my home track since moving to Lexington in 2012. Having a venue of such quality and prestige just a few miles away is one of the highlights of living in the city. Keeneland is a cultural event in Lexington; the track draws a younger demographic than most, and everyone is interested in spending a day at the races during the boutique meets.

Outside of the United States, Newmarket is my favorite course. The history at the track and town is mind-boggling for a racing history junkie like myself. The sprawling, undulating straight is unlike anything in America, the grounds are impeccable, and the quality of racing is top-notch.

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

Ascot in England, particularly for the Royal Ascot meeting.

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

I have been afforded many opportunities thanks to generous people in the industry, but three in particular jump out as high points of my life. Visiting Three Chimneys Farm in 2009 to meet Smarty Jones and Patricia Chapman was an unbelievable experience; I spent a week diversifying and broadening my knowledge of racing. The trip was certainly a turning point in my life, as I began the transitioning from a fan to an engaged industry participant. I was at Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup, and seeing American Pharoah’s Classic was breathtaking in every sense of the word. Lastly, this fall my boyfriend and I formed a syndicate to purchase a weanling as a pinhook prospect. We bought a Discreet Cat filly at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale, and the looking/buying process was hugely educational for us, not to mention beyond thrilling to finally become involved in bloodstock.

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

Of my lifetime, Smarty Jones, Rachel Alexandra, Wise Dan and Runhappy. Prior to my lifetime, Man O’War, Citation, and Dr. Fager are at the top of the list.

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

As far as feasible improvements and solutions go, I believe that the owner and bettor should be catered to far more in the racing world. Racing neglects these parties far too often, whereas tracks and wagering services should be taking every measure to be sure they are pleased and satisfied with their experience. Casinos take this notion to an extreme, providing free drinks to all customers and comps to frequent gamblers. Owners and bettors should be treated as well considering their integral role in the Thoroughbred industry.

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

Much of racing’s problems stem from marketing issues. In a changing culture where people are not exposed to horses like they were during the sport’s heyday in the 1950s, racing has lost most of its relevance and is now a novelty. As culture has evolved, so has public perception. Misconceptions about treatment of the animals and growing numbers animal activists certainly hamper the sport’s popularity. Lack of education is another enormous issue, as an uninformed person will feel outcast and lost at a racetrack, confused by the jargon and bored by long breaks between races.

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

Treatment of the horses is what I am asked about by non-racing people most frequently. Lack of education and understanding of the industry and growing awareness of animal welfare leads many to become suspicious of a sport that uses horses for sport. While there are dark sides of racing, just like any industry, treatment of the horses is generally far better than most people realize.

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

If someone doesn’t already have a love of horses embedded in them, it can be extremely difficult to turn that person into an invested fan. Because of some of the cultural issues I spoke of earlier, horse racing is viewed as a novelty sport with high barriers to entry. That said, I have exposed many new people to racing – typically the best way to do so is by taking friends to the racetrack. If a new person is at the races with someone who has a solid understanding of the sport, it will reassure them as they figure out how to place a wager and understand the intricacies of the game.

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

Through my various internships and experiences, I have been working towards a career in bloodstock. I plan to continue investing in this side of the industry through my career, but ultimately would like to contribute to racing by creating a better fan experience and attracting new industry participants.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

Currently, I am a Sales Intern at Fasig-Tipton, assisting in sale nominations, entries, and inspections. I also serve as president of the University of Kentucky Horse Racing Club, which works to promote the sport to students and educate those interested in the industry. During race meets, I am a Keeneland College Ambassador, which markets racing and the track through a grass-roots effort geared at university students. In November 2015, I became involved in the bloodstock industry as a part-owner and syndicate manager for a yearling pinhook. The syndicate formation and buying process was hugely educational, and also allowed me to introduce several new investors to the industry.

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

My most meaningful career goal is to bring new people into the industry by way of fan experience, investment, and education. Education is crucial for a fan to become an industry participant as I did. I hope to create an organization that equips fans to take their interest in racing to a professional level, fueling the industry and building its future.