Racing's Future: Natalie Fawkes

“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 Natalie Fawkes

16-year-old Florida native Natalie Fawkes, daughter of trainer David Fawkes, has grown up within the sport of horse racing. She apprentices for the track photographers at Gulfstream Park and exercises and ponies racehorses for her father. Aside from her time at the track, Natalie competes at hunter shows with her Dutch/German Warmblood, Catch A Wave (AKA Malibu). Follow her on Instagram, @natafoxx.

What was it like growing up around the racetrack?

I love growing up around the racetrack. I mainly went around Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park. I learned so much around the track in my earlier years and continue to learn more and more every day.

What do you love about horse racing?

I love the adrenaline rush you get as soon as the horses break from the gate. The passion most people share in the sport also keeps my love going strong.

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

There are so many people who I admire on a day-to-day basis that makes it hard for me to narrow down. To be vague, I admire those who are passionate about the industry and put forth an effort to keep the racing strong and going. Without these passionate horsemen and players, we wouldn’t have the industry we do now.

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

I wish I had more knowledge in the breeding industry. I would love to know more about what it takes to make a decent racehorse and how the pedigrees matter so much for each horse.

What racetracks have you been to?

I have been to Charles Town, Saratoga, Belmont Park, Santa Anita, Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park, Churchill Downs, Oaklawn Park, Mountaineer, Monmouth, and Pimlico.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

It’s hard for me to narrow it down to one track but my favorite racetrack would either have to be Gulfstream Park or Saratoga Race Course. I love the atmosphere both tracks have to offer. I love the people involved at both tracks and the history each track holds.

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

I would really love to visit Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. It looks like such a prestigious racetrack and I think it would be so much fun to visit. Del Mar, however, would be a very close second!

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

My favorite moment in my horse racing life would have to be when Big Drama, a horse my dad trained, won the 2010 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs. I will also never forget the Eclipse Awards in 2011 when Big Drama took 2010 Male Sprinter of the Year. Recently, I just started to learn to gallop a racehorse, so being able to ride one on the track at Gulfstream Park has also been a momentous thing. I got very excited when a horse I ride in the mornings, Lines of Nazca, broke his maiden first time out at Gulfstream Park!

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

In this lifetime, Zenyatta has been an outstanding athlete to watch. Before my lifetime, either Man O’ War or Secretariat.

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

Out of everything in the industry, I would like to change the afterlife of our racehorses. I don’t think enough thought and care goes into the horses once they are done with their racing career, especially the ones who are the "cheapies" of the industry. If everybody could just put forth a little more effort and attention into these off-the-track rescues, we wouldn’t have to worry about where our loved horses are after their careers.

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

I think that what the common outsider says, like “Only racetrack people are in it for the money, not the horse,” ruins the chances of gaining more fans and getting more people involved at the racetracks. Most people who do not know anything about the sport are quick to judge it and think that all racehorses are abused and worked to the bone but if they really knew what happened and how much effort goes into the sport and the racehorse, there wouldn’t be such a bad reputation for horse racing.

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

I would convince them by showing them the passion, thrill, and devotion a true fan has towards the sport. I would show them the Thoroughbred athlete as we know it, and what will these horses have to run and win.

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

I contribute with my photography on the track and my riding on the track. For my photography, I am very fortunate to apprentice under one of the big named photography groups and so lucky to have my photos published in big-named publications, i.e. the BloodHorse, the Florida Horse, the Paulick Report, and other racing publications. With my riding on the racetrack, I pony and gallop any horse that needs the help. I also try to help out as much I can around the barn with whatever needs to be done.

How do you plan to contribute to horse racing in the future?

I plan to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully move on to bigger and better things in the industry. I don’t quite know what those things are yet but I know that I have wonderful people around me to support and help me with whatever I may need help with.

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

One thing that I have always dreamed of accomplishing would be to receive an Eclipse Award for Photo of the Year. I think receiving that award would be an amazing accomplishment in my life!