As Thoroughbred racing heads into a new year, it faces the inevitable challenge of learning from the past 12 months and applying those lessons to a new year.
With 2026 at hand, BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.
Through Jan. 2 in the BloodHorse Daily and on www.bloodhorse.com, a select group of panelists will address issues such as the most exciting freshman sire for 2026, field size, fixed-odds wagering, foal crop size, the Breeders' Cup, and the Triple Crown. We continue the series today with a question about promoting the sport to new fans.
While realizing there are countless other voices, the hope is that these answers will spark meaningful discussion within the industry.
Anyone who would like to offer their opinion is encouraged to submit it in writing to editorial@bloodhorse.com for inclusion in our Letters to the Editor. Longer pieces can be considered for an Industry Voices column.
To access our 2023 year-end survey, please click the following link for a pdf version.
Responses were edited for style and clarity.
Question: When you're introducing someone new to the sport, what are the things you tell that person you most enjoy about racing?
Acacia Courtney Clement, NYRA TV analyst: For me, it will always be first and foremost about the horse. If you haven't had the pleasure of growing up around horses or riding, a visit to the backstretch can be really eye-opening. Getting close to the animals and watching them train or in their stalls makes it a much more personal experience. In addition, these visits allow people to see how carefully equine athletes are looked after, and the care that is provided by the trainer, groom, hotwalker, and everyone involved with the stable. There have been many mornings on the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga where I've witnessed someone fall in love with the horses and the game.
Compared to other big sports, horse racing offers amazing access for those in the industry and even just for fans. There are so many incredible stories woven into the history of this game, and it's one of my favorite things about my job. There are the backgrounds of the horses who give us such thrills, but also the human element, whether it be the journey of an exercise rider who has overcome adversity, a breeder carrying on a family legacy, or a trainer who has had a resurgent season. I truly believe horse racing has something for everyone.
Griffin Johnson, social media influencer and owner: When I'm introducing someone new to racing, the first thing I talk about is the feeling because nothing else really compares to it. The anticipation walking into the paddock, watching a horse you're connected to step onto the track, the adrenaline when the gates open. It's a mix of sport, competition, tradition, and pure emotion. But beyond the race itself, what I love most is the community. Racing brings together people from completely different backgrounds who all share the same passion. Once you experience that, even once, it's hard not to fall in love with the sport.
Mike Smith, Hall of Fame jockey: It probably starts with the horses and then the sport comes after that. Once you see these amazing animals and they get in your blood, you'll never get them out of it. They are incredible. The greatest creature I have ever seen.
The sport part of it is also so amazing as well. It's as exciting of a minute-and-a-half or two-minute event as you'll ever find. I talk with a lot of pro athletes, be they in the NFL or MLB, NHL, or NBA, and once they get a taste of horse racing, they're hooked. Whether you own the horse or you have a $2 bet on it, once that horse crosses that wire first, there's no feeling in the world like it.
Nick Tammaro, track announcer and handicapper at Sam Houston Race Park and player development manager at Sam Houston and Retama Park: The sheer majesty of the racehorse. Horses are amazing animals that lay it all on the line because they are born to run. Seeing them perform at any level is a privilege and exhibits athletic prowess arguably unseen in any other sport. I love the puzzle of handicapping races and the difficulty of placing winning wagers. I never leave out that I've yet to take anyone to the racetrack who did not have a great time.
