Amplify Horse Racing, a national organization dedicated to connecting young people with the Thoroughbred industry, has wrapped up its influential outreach initiatives for the 2025 season. In November, Amplify engaged over 2,000 students and educators from Kentucky and beyond, demonstrating its expanding national reach and commitment to making the Thoroughbred industry accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds.
The week kicked off with more than 75 students and 4-H leaders from 11 states attending the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup for Thoroughbred Industry Discovery Day at Keeneland. Participants learned about racehorse training and safety from experts, explored Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale, and joined lunchtime career activities that put them in direct contact with industry leaders and employers.
Following this, Amplify showcased its mentorship program at the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference, highlighting the critical role of mentorship in linking young people to agricultural education and career opportunities. Amplify also welcomed five mentees from California, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania for an immersive day of learning in Kentucky, supported by Glen Hill Farm. The visit included tours of Keeneland’s sales floor, horse evaluation with experts, a trip to Godolphin’s Jonabelle Ranch, a visit to the Keeneland Library, and participation in Amplify’s annual networking event themed “Storyteller Night: Exploring a Career in the Thoroughbred Industry.”
Amplify continued its efforts by leading a field trip to Godolphin’s Gainsboro Farm for 40 students from Louisville’s Walden School and concluded the week with an exhibit at the Fayette County Public Schools Career Expo, where over 2,000 local ninth graders were introduced to horse racing.
Anis Monplaisir, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Amplify, emphasized the organization’s mission to meet young people in their environments—schools, communities, and online—and show them a place in the industry. She credited industry partners and donors for making these programs possible and called for ongoing support from those invested in the future of horse racing.
The year also saw Amplify achieve several milestones, including winning a national CareerViewXR grant to create an immersive virtual reality field trip about careers in Thoroughbred racing. Amplify extended its educational reach beyond Kentucky with events like the Morton Urban Equine Program in Illinois and the Winners Circle Summer Camp in New York, co-sponsored by the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Since its start in 2021, Amplify’s mentorship program has matched over 100 pairs of mentors and mentees, helping participants gain career insight, hands-on experience, and professional networks. Graduate success stories include jobs in racing, breeding, veterinary medicine, and media. Mentee Ethan Owens from Tennessee praised the mentorship program for providing industry insight and hands-on learning opportunities.
Looking forward, Amplify plans to launch a new high school curriculum aligned with National Agriculture Literacy Outcomes, Next Generation Science Standards, and Career and Technical Education Standards. This curriculum will offer teachers ready-to-use lessons and activities that integrate Thoroughbred racing into classroom learning.
Supporters can contribute to Amplify’s mission through tax-deductible donations at Amplifyhorseracing.org/donate.
Fan Take: This outreach effort is vital for the future of horse racing as it nurtures the next generation’s interest and expertise in the sport. By actively engaging young people and providing them with education and career opportunities, Amplify is helping ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability for years to come.
