Tomorrow’s Front Runners: Amplify Opens Door for Future Vet Paola Castro

[Wandering Eyes]

Paola Castro was introduced to the world of horse racing two years ago on a visit to Churchill Downs. After touring the backside and the Derby Museum, she swore that she would be back again someday to watch the Kentucky Derby. This spring, the dream came to fruition for the 21-year-old when she got to experience the thrill of Derby week firsthand, culminating in attending the iconic race on Saturday, thanks to her involvement with Amplify Horse Racing.

“During my first trip to Churchill Downs, I remember walking around and thinking that I would do anything to be there for the Kentucky Derby,” Castro recalled. “I would have worked the concession stand! Then when I had the opportunity to actually be there for the Derby, I remember looking around and thinking that I don't ever, ever want to lose this excitement.”

Castro is a first-generation Mexican-American from Brownsville, Texas. A lifelong horse lover, she recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in animal science and is set to start vet school there in the fall.

Until two years ago, Castro believed horse racing was a closed-off world, one that required family ties or inside connection to gain access. But then she was introduced to Amplify. The program opened doors that she never thought were available to her and today, while her path is still taking shape, Castro is certain that horse racing will be a part of her future.

After that first visit to Kentucky–where, through an agriculture-focused student program, she toured Godolphin's Jonabell Farm in addition to Churchill Downs–Castro was eager to learn more about how to get involved in racing. She wasn't sure where to start until a friend forwarded her an email about the Amplify Mentorship Program, an initiative that pairs young adults interested in pursuing a career in racing with experienced industry professionals.

She was matched with Jodie Vella-Gregory, the Vice President of Industry Relations for 1/ST Racing. The pair met bi-weekly via video call and their initial connection developed into a meaningful mentorship.

“Jodie has been the biggest blessing and a true catalyst for my growth–not only professionally but also personally,” said Castro. “She has connected me with so many different individuals throughout the industry and has always been so supportive of me and the opportunities that have come my way.”

Shortly after their mentorship began, Vella-Gregory invited Castro to come to California for the 2023 Horse Racing Women's Summit. While Castro said she was initially hesitant about attending an event where she did not know anyone, she was welcomed with open arms by the other conference attendees.

Castro with her Amplify mentor Jodie Vella-Gregory and Horse Racing Women's Summit's Stehanie Hronis | courtesy Paola Castro

“I was so nervous,” she admitted. “I had never really been to a networking reception before, but I wanted to be there so badly and I slowly started to talk to people. They all made me feel like I belonged and like they wanted to hear my opinion. It made me feel like I had a place at the table. I remember leaving and thinking that I want this to be my life. I want to have horse racing in my life.”

Castro's trip to Santa Anita became a catalyst for many of the connections she has made in the industry over the past two years.

At the summit, she learned about The Jockey Club's scholarship program. She applied and was awarded their Vision Scholarship for $10,000 per semester. She also got involved with the Ed Brown Society.

Seeking hands-on experience, she interned with veterinarians in the test barn at Retama Park last summer. Castro also got connected with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, which offered her an internship this summer. She ultimately had to decline the offer after being accepted into veterinary school.

Throughout her undergraduate years and during the application process for vet school, Castro struggled with overcoming self-doubt. She credits Amplify and the connections she has made through horse racing for giving her confidence going into those competitive vet school interviews.

“Whenever I start thinking those negative thoughts, I remind myself that not very many people have had the experiences that I have had,” she said. “That goes back to my involvement with Amplify and the Horse Racing Women's Association. I feel like that is truly what set me apart from the other students and the other candidates. I have to remind myself that I don't have to look exactly like them to succeed. My story is different and that's okay.”

Ahead of this year's Kentucky Derby, Amplify contacted Castro about the opportunity to assist their program in giving tours of the backside during Derby week. Although the trip fell the week before her last round of college finals, Castro could not pass up the opportunity.

If Castro was not yet certain of her desire to pursue a career in racing, her experience during Derby week sealed the deal. In addition to helping out with Amplify, she was able to spend a day racing with the Ed Brown Society and another with the Saints or Sinners racing partnership–one more connection she made at the Women's Summit.

Castro with (left to right) Amplify's President Jordyn Egan, treasurer Laurel Humbert-Stock, and Executive Director Annise Montplaisir | courtesy Amplify Horse Racing

After two years of learning and immersing herself in the industry, the sense of belonging that Castro felt during her week in Louisville was a feeling that still sticks with her.

“I think my favorite part of being there was that I felt like I was in such a unique position to recognize people, whether they were jockeys or trainers or whoever,” she reflected. “I was feet away from Frankie Dettori, feet away from Bob Baffert. Mike Smith was on my flight. On the backstretch I met Brian Hernandez and Griffin Johnson. I was just so thankful for it all because two years ago, I wanted to be involved but I didn't know if I was able to and then two years later, I'm at the Derby.”

Castro's many positive experiences in the industry haven't all come by chance. Her engaging and enthusiastic personality, gracious attitude, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone have all afforded her one opportunity after another. And that floodgate of possibilities first opened when Amplify introduced her to horse racing.

“Amplify is truly an investment in the industry and in the future,” Castro said. “They have done such an amazing job of making racing accessible to whoever wants to be involved. If you want to be there, they will do anything to set you up with whatever role you want to be in. It is very nice to know that there is a pipeline for people who might not necessarily have the professional network to know what their next step is.”

Castro is counting down the days until vet school starts in August. Over the next four years, she hopes to dip her toe in anything related to equine medicine. Her goal is to complete internships in both the racing and the breeding sides of the business to discover where her passions lie.

In whichever realm of the industry she winds up in, Castro dreams of having a positive impact on the sport someday.

“At the Women's Summit, they talked about how they want to keep growing and adapting and that they don't want to stay stagnant with the old rules because the old rules are just not cutting it anymore,” explained Castro. “I think part of that is bringing in new ideas, new perspectives and new people and I think Amplify can bring in so many new people. For me, it has completely changed my life and the trajectory of where I see myself in my future.”

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