Now in its third year, the Horse Racing Women’s Summit presented by 1/ST and FanDuel TV returned to the West Coast where 125 gathered in Arcadia, California, to attend invigorating panel discussions, learn from an internationally recognized keynote speaker, and engage in a variety of networking activities.

Following Wednesday’s welcome reception, the group, led by emcee Christina Blacker of FanDuel TV, convened Thursday at the Le Meridien Hotel for a robust day of programming that kicked off with opening speaker Catherine Iste, Chief Administrative Officer for the Los Angeles Chargers. Iste took the time to shed light on the key to showing one’s value and advocating for oneself, while also encouraging attendees to stop overcomplicating their path to growth and to simply seize their opportunities.

“I’m calling bullshit on ‘someday,'” Iste reflected. “Stop waiting for someday. There is no table you need to be invited to. Just go. Go do it.”

Following Iste’s opening remarks, the first of two panel discussions began. Entitled “Peak Performance” the panel was moderated by Britney Eurton, Host and Reporter for NBC and Amazon Prime, and featured Zoe Cadman, Host and Analyst for XBTV; Karen Crouse, Sports Journalist turned Ghostwriter; Samantha Huge, Executive Director of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association and Executive Vice President of Collegiate Athletics, RealResponse; and Emma-Jayne Wilson, Sovereign and Eclipse Award-winning jockey.

“None of us gets to where we are alone. You have to find the people who are going to support you. And it’s really important to get that support from outside of your primary realm,” said Crouse.

The conversation revolved around overcoming challenges, resilience and the importance of support systems. Each panelist emphasized the value of honest self-reflection and a supportive circle, along with finding the confidence to turn the page and move forward when facing adversity.

“There will always be those moments that are going to push your boundaries. Embrace them,” said Wilson.

After a late morning networking break, the second panel of the day introduced a discussion about “Women at the Helm.” Moderated by Stacie Clark-Rogers, the Operations Consultant for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the lineup of panelists included Tracy Attfield, Founder of TLore Management LLC; Vicky Leonard, Owner and Managing Director of Kick Collective & Founder of Kick Up For Racing (AUS) and Light Up Racing (USA); Robyn Theodorakis, Head of Key Accounts and Sales at SeatGeek; and Dr. Alina Vale DVM, MS.

“Everyone has a megaphone in their pocket. We need to use it,” noted Leonard, who reinforced the need to empower the racing community to stop the spread of misinformation and provide data-driven, science-backed statistics to counter negative publicity.

Along with providing unique perspectives on how horse racing must innovate and evolve, the conversation touched on the importance of research, data, and advocating for the horse in order to shape a better sport. There was a focus on how to balance technology with meaningful relationships in order to progress and what the responsibility of various cohorts in racing (fans, horsemen, racetrack, aftercare organizations, etc.) must be in order to drive change.

“There is power in data. To have that information about the horse empowers the people who are training them, looking after them and empowers people in the industry to help the horse,” said Attfield.

The afternoon was highlighted by the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award presentation. Jillian Tullock accepted the award on behalf of this year’s recipient, Georganne Hale, Maryland Jockey Club’s Vice President of Racing Development and a true stalwart of Maryland’s racing industry.

After the luncheon, attendees reconvened for a keynote presentation and workshop, hosted by Katie Goodman, an award-winning comedian, author and international speaker.

Throughout her workshop, Goodman introduced actionable takeaways from improv that can help with professional and personal growth. Themes included staying present, being flexible, taking creative risks, being authentic and fostering collaborative environments in work and in life. Goodman spent time guiding attendees on how to coach their own inner critics to turn negative feedback into opportunities for growth.

“Make friends with change,” noted Goodman. “You build trust by being authentic.”

She also led the group of attendees through several improv-based exercises designed to push personal boundaries and foster creativity, as those participating experienced the joy of learning through play. The workshop shed light on how to approach personal and professional development, regardless of one’s age or professional level.

The excitement of the Horse Racing Women’s Summit continued through Friday as attendees ventured to Santa Anita Park, ahead of Saturday’s California Crown race card, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience during morning training hours followed by a special afternoon at the races.

The next HRWS event will be held Thursday, Oct. 31 in Del Mar, California, featuring a day of racing at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and a handicapping contest that will benefit the HRWS Pay It Forward Program. Tickets can be purchased here.

Quotable Quotes

Recognize what you bring to the table. Don’t be just like them. – Samantha Huge

Don’t ever assume that good work will be recognized. Advocate for yourself. – Karen Crouse

There will always be those moments that are going to push your boundaries. Embrace them. – Emma Jayne Wilson

When you fail. You just have to turn the page and move forward. For your safety and the safety of others. – Zoe Cadman

Be prepared for the moment. Ready for the opportunity. – Britney Eurton

Public pressure and the risk of losing their livelihood has allowed trainers to accept a change in culture and put equine welfare and safety at number one. – Dr. Alina Vale

Meaningful relationships and innovation—that’s exactly the ingredients you need to make things happen – Robyn Theodorakis

Our industry publications need to be asking really awkward questions in order to force our leaders to be better. – Vicky Leonard

There is power in data. To have that information about the horse empowers the people who are training them, looking after them and empowers people in the industry to help the horse. – Tracy Attfield

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