Letter To The Editor: Before The Headlines, A Call For Proactive Leadership In Thoroughbred Racing

[Wandering Eyes]

Public confidence isn't lost in a day. It erodes when we're silent, scattered, or slow to respond. That stops now.

At Light Up Racing, we believe the future of this sport depends not just on how we react in moments of crisis, but on how we prepare for them. The Thoroughbred industry has an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with foresight, speak with clarity, and act with purpose before public trust is tested again.

That's why Light Up Racing is launching a national pilot to strengthen the industry's crisis communication preparedness. Designed for race track executives, comms teams, trainers, farm managers, and any individuals who might face tough questions under pressure, the toolkit includes:

• A timeline guide for public relations when racing incidents occur
• A library of scenario-specific key messages and response templates
• Media training guidance and bridging techniques
• Practical worksheets and downloadable packs for internal planning and quick reference guides

This framework will soft launch on August 3, and we invite industry partners to help us test and refine it. Because when the next controversy comes, we should already know what to do, and how to say it. Find it here.

This initiative is made possible through the early and generous support of four industry leaders: Breeders' Cup, Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, and The Jockey Club. These organizations collectively committed $250,000 in 2025 to Light Up Racing's mission.

“We are all stewards of this sport, and the Breeders' Cup is proud to support efforts that help unify and strengthen our industry's future,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited Drew Fleming. “Light Up Racing is creating the space for honest, necessary conversations–and we believe that work deserves to be championed.”

Fasig-Tipton President & Chief Executive Officer Boyd Browning added: “Fasig-Tipton is committed to a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented approach to industry challenges. We have supported Light Up Racing since 2024 because they are helping turn words into action–and bringing people to the table who might not otherwise find common ground.”

“Keeneland's mission has always been rooted in integrity, transparency and doing what is right for the horse,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. Our support of Light Up Racing reflects that commitment and our belief that lasting progress depends on meaningful collaboration across the industry.”

“The Jockey Club believes that the long-term stewardship of the sport should be a shared responsibility, including confronting difficult situations head-on,” added Jockey Club President and COO Jim Gagliano. “We are proud to collaborate with others and to stand alongside Light Up Racing to effect positive change within the Thoroughbred industry.”

Their support reflects a larger truth: our sport cannot thrive in silos. From owners and breeders to racetracks, aftercare partners, regulators, and sales companies; our individual actions matter, but our collective direction will determine what comes next.

This is what we call A Rising Tide: a leadership narrative rooted in candor, coordination, and courage. Light Up Racing is proud to help shape this tide by convening conversations, developing communication tools, and mobilizing industry leaders to respond with integrity and lead with empathy.

To those already linking arms with us: thank you. To those still finding your footing, we're ready to collaborate.

There will be additional opportunities through the remainder of 2025 to engage in the Rising Tide movement. Sign up for updates here and be part of building the future this sport deserves.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors (Price Bell, Jeff Berk, VMD, Christina Blacker and Roderick Wachman), Light Up Racing.

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