Amplify Horse Racing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry for youth and young adults, has announced the appointment of Annise Montplaisir as executive director.
Guided by a goal to develop a platform for youth in horse racing, Montplaisir co-founded Amplify with Madison Scott in 2019, and has served as the organization's president since its incorporation in 2020. Scott remains on the board of directors alongside Price Bell, Jordyn Egan, Hallie Hardy, Laurel Humbert-Stock, Katie LaMonica, and Cate Masterson.
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, and an alumna of North Dakota State University, Montplaisir completed internships with Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland and Mill Ridge Farm before getting accepted into the Godolphin Flying Start Program. Her professional background includes project managing for global networking organization Together for Racing International (TfRI), co-hosting Hípica TV's Spanish coverage of the Breeders' Cup in 2021 and 2022, and producing and co-hosting the Spanish language online horse racing program, La Trifecta, with America's Best Racing. Montplaisir recently culminated a 2-year term as equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation – a role that worked closely with Amplify to launch various initiatives connecting youth with horses, including the Equine Careers Tour Series, children and family events, a mentorship program, and representation at various equine events. Amplify will continue working with the KEEP Foundation as an industry partner.
“It is an honor for me to work with Amplify Horse Racing to showcase how enriching the Thoroughbred industry can be,” said Montplaisir. “From the time I started my own career journey in horse racing, my ambition has been to streamline the pathway for other youth to be involved. Amplify fulfills that purpose by creating new opportunities and promoting existing initiatives, and I believe it is going to be impactful in the lives of many youth.”
The hire of Montplaisir initiates a plan by Amplify to expand its outreach efforts nationally, and create educational and workforce pipelines for the industry. Pivotal supporters of this expansion include Aldevron co-founder and racehorse owner John Ballantyne, Breeders' Cup, Godolphin, Keeneland, and The Jockey Club.
“Annise combines all the elements necessary for an undertaking such as this: energy, drive, and above all a passion for this mission in our industry,” said Katie LaMonica, charities manager at Godolphin USA and Amplify board member. “Godolphin is proud to support Annise in her new role with Amplify, and excited to see it grow into the Thoroughbred industry's educational arm for youth and recruitment.”
“The Jockey Club is pleased to support the educational, mentorship and career initiatives of Amplify Horse Racing,” said Jim Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “Creating immersive opportunities for people from all backgrounds is vital to sustain growth in the Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to working with Amplify on their youth educational initiatives.”
Amplify Horse Racing would like to thank all supporting organizations, companies, donors, and volunteers who have assisted in the development of its events and programs. If you would like to help support Amplify's mission to bring youth into the Thoroughbred industry, contact Annise Montplaisir at annise@amplifyhorseracing.org and visit www.amplify horse racing.org.
About Amplify Horse Racing: Amplify Horse Racing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Thoroughbred industry education, mentorship and career opportunities for youth and young adults. Amplify welcomes newcomers, enhances existing educational initiatives, and develops new resources to lead the Thoroughbred industry into the future. Because Thoroughbred racing is not just a sport of kings… It is a sport for everyone! Amplify's programming includes a highly successful mentorship program, equine career exploration series, behind the scenes educational racetrack tours, virtual presentations, a podcast, and more.
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