As California grapples with a budget deficit in the tens of billions of dollars, the horse industry has grown financially for the state over the last five years; responsible for billions of dollars in economic impact and tens of thousands of jobs, according to a report released by the American Horse Council.

In 2023, the equine ecosystem provided a total value of $11.6 billion to California's economy and a direct contribution of $6.5 billion to state GDP, according to the report. This marks a significant increase from the American Horse Council's previous report in 2018, which found a total value of $8.3 billion to the state economy and a direct contribution of $4.5 billion to state GDP.

Through the care of the state's near-500,000 horses, events and recreation, and the ripple effect on other sectors of the economy, the California equine industry generates 132,496 jobs across the state and directly employs 93,467 workers. Five years ago, those numbers were 115,474 and 77,703, respectively.

Horses remain incredibly popular in the state of California. In total, 30.48% of households – 4.1 million in California – have a “horse enthusiast” in their home. No fewer than 220,000 California residents volunteer their time to horses, and the industry generates $6.2 billion in tourism for California.

“The American Horse Council report confirms what those of us in the industry have always known: Horses hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Californians,” said Bill Nader, President and CEO of Thoroughbred Owners of California. “With over 4 million households participating in horse events and activities across the state – 38% of whom are under the age of 18 – it is clear that the equine industry is more than just an impressive economic driver for the state; it is an integral part of California's culture.”

Racing continues to be the greatest contributor to the state in the industry, with a total economic impact of $2.5 billion and a direct value of $1.5 billion to California GDP.

“These data points show that the horse industry's contributions to California are enormous – and growing,” said Amy Zimmerman, of the California Horse Power Coalition. “Our commitment to supporting California's economy and workforce, preserving our state's beautiful land, providing therapeutic services to Californians who need it, and caring for the horses we love has never been greater. We look forward to seeing our industry grow and evolve in the years to come.”

More information and the 2023 Economic Impact Study can be found on the American Horse Council website: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

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“Cody's Wish was definitely one of my racing highlights of 2023.”
–Susan Anderson, Trainer

“There was no shortage of amazing horse racing memories in 2023. But one story that transcends racing is the incredible journey Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman (and his family) took us on. Beyond inspiring and heartwarming, it showed us in vivid color the genuine beauty of the magical connection between horses and humans. The Breeders Cup victory of Cody's Wish and celebration of Cody and his family is truly the feel good moment of the year.”
–Jeff Bloom, Bloom Racing Stable and TAA President

“There are several moments and races to choose from, but if I had to pick one, it would be the story of Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman, which was already incredible leading to the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The excitement and anticipation was huge and the way the race unfolded all the way to the end was absolutely breathtaking!”
–Ramon Dominguez, retired Hall of Fame jockey

Cody Dorman with Cody's Wish | Kelly Dorman

“Cody's Wish showed his resolve and determination to win the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile by a narrow margin and to remember his namesake, Cody, who brought us all together this year to root him on.”
–John Dooley, track announcer

“My favorite moment was Cody's Wish giving everything he had to win one last time for his namesake, Cody Dorman. Cody is a special, gifted horse who understood and fulfilled his mission, one that transcends racing.”
–Deirdre Duke, racing fan

“Cody's Wish and the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. With a lot of talk throughout the year about what is wrong with the sport, the last eighth of a mile was a reminder of what makes horse racing so uniquely special.”
–Amy Zimmerman, Executive Producer, Santa Anita Park

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Zoe Cadman, XBTV and 1/ST RACING Host and Analyst, will serve as the emcee for the event, which will kick off with a keynote from Reagan Cannon, an international leadership speaker and coach. Following the morning keynote, leaders at the front line of industry change will gather for a discussion on the State of the Industry, moderated by Millie Ball, XBTV and 1/ST RACING simulcast host.

State of the Industry featured speakers are: Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin; horse racing reporter Britney Eurton; HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus; and equine veterinarian Casille Batten.

The second panel, titled Running the Show, will feature a conversation among industry professionals in various facets of management from racetracks across the county. Moderator Michelle Yu will guide the panelists through a discussion focused on their careers, the ins-and-outs of racetrack management, current events, and their outlook on the future.

“I am a firm believer in the philosophy that 'a rising tide raises all ships' and this sport is so much better when we are able to come together, elevate and support each other,” said Jessica Paquette, Parx Racing announcer and Running the Show panelist. “I am honored to join so many women I respect in the industry for an event that is sure to be educational and empowering.”

Other Running the Show featured speakers are: SVP and General Counsel, Sports and Entertainment at New York Racing Association Joi Garner; SVP, Operations and Administration DMTC Ann Hall; and SVP and Executive Producer for Santa Anita Amy Zimmerman.

The third panel discussion, led by FanDuel TV's Christina Blacker and titled Looking Forward, will delve into a variety of topics including diversity, mental health, the backstretch community, and how the industry can improve.

Karen Chavez, General Manager of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, who will join the Looking Forward panel said, “Attending the HRWS Meet Up in Saratoga was an inspiring experience that showcased the power of connection and empowerment within the horse racing industry, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the women of the backstretch community. I am excited to be on a panel at the second Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Park, and continuing to build on the momentum that began one year ago.”

Looking Forward speakers also include: trainer and equestrian Chanel Minnifield; Los Angeles Chargers CAO Catherine Iste; and Amplify Horse Racing executive director Annise Montplaisir.

Friday's hands-on workshop is designed to identify areas of focus and specific action items for the Horse Racing Women's Summit Committee in 2024.

Tickets for the Horse Racing Women's Summit can be purchased here.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Amy and Jay to the CARMA Board of Directors,” Billy Koch, President of CARMA, said. “Their vast knowledge and experience in the horse racing industry will be invaluable to our organization as we continue to provide funding for the dignified retirement of our equine athletes.”

Lucinda Lovitt, CARMA Executive Director, agreed. “With the addition of Amy and Jay to the CARMA Board of Directors, our organization is well-positioned to continue its mission and be a leader in the horse racing industry when it comes to aftercare. I know they will bring their expertise and unique perspectives to the table, helping to guide our efforts to provide a better future for retired racehorses in California.”

California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2007 to raise money for retired racehorses. For more information or to donate, visit the CARMA website.

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That was the daunting statistic which set the stage at the beginning of the inaugural Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Thursday, a two-day event designed to nurture the abilities of women already involved in the sport and engender new talent to follow after the sport's current batch of female leaders.

And what was the over-arching takeaway? Greater mutual support among the sport's female participants, and the fostering of a culture of mentorship among male leaders towards their female peers.

In a panel titled “Thriving Through Challenges,” Dora Delgado, executive vice president and chief racing officer of the Breeders' Cup, described the business that she entered in 1983 as a lot of Khaki and blue blazer-clad men sitting around the boardroom table resistant to change.

“And that hasn't changed much since,” said Delgado, adding that, despite her credentials—she was anointed last year on the Sports Business Journal's prestigious “game changer” list, for example—she still feels the need to prove her qualifications “over and over and over again.”

Part of the problem is nepotism, she and others said.

The Kentucky Blueblood aristocracy, it “runs deep,” Delgado said. “If you're not born to it, it takes a bit of work to get accepted.” That cycle needs to be disrupted, she added.

“'This guy's really great—I play golf with him. He's got a son who needs a job. Where can we fit him in?'” said Delgado, rhetorically replaying what she described as familiar conversations across racetrack boardrooms.

Dora's response? “Nowhere.”

Christa Marrillia, vice president and chief marketing officer at Keeneland, detailed the female dress code for employees at the track when she first joined in 2003, which excluded open-toed shoes and pants.

While those restrictions have since lifted, changing the work-place culture for women in the sport has proven tougher, she said.

“I would sleep with my cell-phone by my pillow,” explained Marrillia, describing herself as a workaholic who never took breaks—a common refrain among the presenters, all of whom described the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-home life balance, especially those with families and children.

What changed Marrillia's attitude, she said, was witnessing her behavior rub off on her team, some of them young mothers. “I was like, 'wow, I'm creating a bad thing here.'”

She has since altered the culture for her employees at Keeneland, she said, for the better. “I do feel like we're at a tipping point,” she added, about the role of women in the game.

“I'm still really good at my job, but I'm not going to miss the birthday parties. I'm going to sleep,” she said. “I'm not going to answer an email at two in the morning.”

Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer at 1/ST RACING, discussed the importance of male higher-ups in the sport championing their female peers.

Benson told the story of how, when on a work call, two men proceeded to disparage her, mistakenly thinking they were muted.

“Then Aidan found out about it and called all their bosses,” she said, referring to Aidan Butler, 1/ST RACING's chief operating officer.

There's also the honey-pot approach.

“What my boss finds interesting, I find fascinating,” joked Rikki Tanenbaum, 1/ST GAMING's newly minted chief commercial officer and president.

The afternoon was broken into two panels, the latter of which turned their gaze inwards towards matters of integrity—or what Del Mar Thoroughbred Club board member, Marie Moretti, called “intentional integrity.”

A key area of focus appeared to be the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), designed to provide parity in the metering out of offenses, among many other things.

“You will know what you're going to get,” said Moretti, advocating the Act's uniform rules, if not only to improve public perception of the sport. “Perception is reality in the modern world.”

Optics was a common theme. “I couldn't even get my horsey girlfriends to the track—they thought it was a cruel sport,” said Bo Derek, saying that when she took over as a California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) commissioner, the industry was in the state of flux due to problems associated with drug misuse, whip abuse and the ill-fated switch to synthetic tracks.

“I'm really encouraged. The fanbase is up, the gaming is good,” said Derek, about the current state of California's racing industry.

“I don't think it's something we can be quiet about any more,” said Shannon Kelly, executive director of the Jockey Club's Safety Net Foundation, zeroing in on the public's growing awareness towards the vast human involvement in the sport.

“What other industry has to have a charity for its workers in times of need?” Kelly said, highlighting the number of food distribution centers that feed the nation's backstretches.

All panelists advocated for financial self-sustainability to fund each aspect of the industry, from racehorse aftercare to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

“If you're entering into the sport,” said Kelly, “you should be aware of the costs that are associated with `putting on the show.'”

The earlier panel looked outwards, each of the four speakers tasked with marketing and growing the sport to a world not forged upon racing's gristmill.

“We've all got one goal but we're all coming at it from different ways,” said Jodie Vella Gregory, director of the office of innovation at 1/ST RACING.

“Everyone in here has an idea,” she added. “We should all be taking to one another.”

Taking aim at horse racing's natural impulse to quickly bin new ideas if they fail to immediately take off, she extolled the virtues of perseverance, pointing to the evolution of the Pegasus World Cup—what originated a big-pot attraction first and foremost, but which has transformed into something of a place-holder on the social calendar.

That, and “we need to expand outside the bounds of our community,” Vella Gregory said.

Running with that theme, Lindsay Schanzer, senior producer at NBC Sports, warned of another of racing's bad habits: Leaning into its more insular, arcane traits, sometimes at the expense of new potential fans.

That's why NBC Sports has focused on the story-telling aspects of its race-day coverage, said Schanzer, pointing to its recent fond embrace of things like the jockey cam.

“We really want to put the people on the horses' backs as best we can,” said Schanzer, before making a plug. “If you ever have stories that we don't know of, please reach out to us.”

The other two panelists discussed the role of newer ventures, like FanDuel, as a means of funneling new blood towards racing.

“It's never been that way before—it's never been that easy,” said Shona Rotondo, head of marketing at My Racehorse US, about the accessibility of the racehorse ownership program, with its quick online sign-up process. “We want to sell everyone on the emotion of the game.”

Given the summit's remit, it seems only fitting the event's inaugural leadership award went to a long-time industry mainstay, Jane Goldstein.

Said Amy Zimmerman, when introducing the award, “She found an opening into the sport she loved through the publicity offices of several racetracks. She was always the first one done with her work. It wasn't that she was super quick but, you see, women weren't allowed in the press box after 12. Yes, that's also true. During racing, the press box was exclusive to men.

“After almost four decades,” Zimmerman said, “I'm still often asked the ridiculous question: `what's it like being a woman in racing?' When I was hired, I never thought about it, because Jane Goldstein was the one who hired me. Jane was the one who answered that question. The one who waged that battle to open the door. And then she held it open with class, so all of us could walk through it.”

Goldstein received a standing ovation.

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The TPA, founded in 1951, is comprised of approximately 130 Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives at racetracks throughout North America with the shared goal of promoting the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

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At the same time, TPA announced that Najja Thompson from the New York Thoroughbred Breeders has been re-elected as a vice president, and due to a tie in the voting both Claire Crawford from the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Kevin Kerstein from Churchill Downs Racetrack have been elected vice presidents for the first time. Each will serve a two-year term in 2021 and 2022.

LaMarra serves as the Communications Director for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Managing Editor of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association website and Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships. Shea is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Zimmerman is Senior Vice President and Executive Producer for Santa Anita. Zenner is a freelance publicist and racing official.

The new slate of officers was installed immediately.

The TPA, founded in 1951, is comprised of approximately 130 Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives at racetracks throughout North America with the shared goal of promoting the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Each year at the Global Symposium on Racing, the TPA organizes the Mark Kaufman Workshop on a topic relevant to publicists and marketers, awards the Big Sport of Turfdom to recognize an individual or individuals who enhanced the sport of Thoroughbred racing through their cooperation with the media and racetrack personnel.

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Although there is still no public admittance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fans can watch and wager on Santa Anita's live races via Account Deposit Wagering (ADW) platforms including 1stBet.com, XpressBet.com and they follow the track's complete simulcast presentation free of charge at santaanita.com.

With the betting public more dependent than ever on quality broadcast information, Santa Anita will again be represented by a talented and diverse on-air lineup that includes Millie Ball, Zoe Cadman, Peter Lurie, Jeff Siegel and Michelle Yu.

“The collective overall experience of this group is among the finest in racing,” said Amy J. Zimmerman, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer. “From the XBTV morning workouts, to exclusive interviews and through to their observations as the last horse is loaded into the gate, the team is dedicated to the ultimate goal of providing our customers with decision-making information in an easy-to-consume fashion.”

In addition to these on-air regulars, Santa Anita's simulcast signal will also include Track Announcer Frank Mirahmadi, who along with Tom Quigley, will participate in a pre-race handicapping seminar each weekend beginning an hour and 10 minutes prior to first post time.

With Shiva Scanlon serving as Line Producer for Santa Anita's daily simulcast presentation, viewers will be treated to comprehensive coverage including analysis from the saddling paddock to the starting gate, with updated odds provided throughout.

MILLIE BALL

A joy to behold on camera and off, Millie's enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the Thoroughbred world is self-evident on a daily basis. A native of England, she began riding at a young age and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Royal Agricultural College prior to immigrating to America in 1995, whereupon she began galloping horses at Hollywood Park. Married to trainer Tim Yakteen, with whom she has two boys, Sam, 15 and Ben, 13, Millie, who was an amateur jockey in England, worked for three Hall of Fame conditioners upon her arrival in California, the late Bobby Frankel, Bob Baffert and Richard Mandella. While in their employ, she accompanied stakes horses to venues nationwide, including Saratoga, Fairgrounds, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Arlington Park, Gulfstream Park and one international destination, Hong Kong. In 2003, with a resume and easy going manner that affords her “inside the ropes” access that is second to none, Millie took a turn for the camera as she joined Santa Anita's on-air family as a host and reporter on HRTV. In February 2015, she was part of a select team that accompanied the launch of XBTV, Thoroughbred horse racing's “go-to” platform for morning workouts.

“I'm so proud to be a part of this team,” she said. “We're the only game in town with respect to providing morning workouts for our fans and 1stBet members. I'm also very proud to be a part of our daily simulcast presentation, which offers horseplayers exclusive content provided by XBTV and valuable real-time insight and analysis from paddock to post.”

ZOE CADMAN

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in England, Zoe came to America at the behest of Breeder's Cup winning trainer Michael Dickinson. Upon arrival, she also served stints with trainers Christopher Speckert and Mike Stidham prior to taking out her Jockey's license in 2000. Shortly thereafter, she became a multiple stakes winning jockey and leading rider in Chicago. The top apprentice jockey at Arlington Park, Hawthorne Race Course and Sportman's Park, Zoe was also leading rider as a journeyman at Hawthorne. Subsequent to retiring from the saddle, Zoe relocated to Southern California full time in 2008 and worked at Santa Anita with HRTV until 2015, when she assumed her current broadcast role with XBTV. Quick witted and a terrific interviewer, Zoe brings a unique skillset to her position that enables her to provide timely information and insight in an entertaining fashion.

“Early morning sunrises at Santa Anita are hard to beat,” she said. “You can find me most mornings, with binoculars, coffee and my dog in-tow to take in the morning action and relay it later to the public first-hand.”

PETER LURIE

A consummate broadcast professional, Peter was born in Los Angeles and attended North Hollywood High, where he lettered in swimming. The son of an actor, Peter graduated from Los Angeles Valley College and later majored in Theatre at Cal State Northridge. A sought-after voice actor with more than 30 years of experience, he's the voice of LEATHERHEAD, a fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics series. An original on-air talent member with HRTV, Peter is in his fourth year as simulcast host at Santa Anita. A Thoroughbred owner/breeder and former jockey agent, Peter has been coming to the races at Santa Anita since childhood.

“Santa Anita has always been a second home for me,” he said. “I've been coming here with my father since I was four years old and have been an avid player most of my life…I like the direction Santa Anita is going in. Our players need info and hopefully, we provide that on a regular basis.”

JEFF SIEGEL

From the late Bob Benoit's Publicity staff at Hollywood Park in the early 1970s to the present day, Jeff Siegel remains one of the brightest minds in Thoroughbred racing. Known for decades as one of the most highly respected public handicappers in Southern California, Siegel's knowledge of and passion for racing remain world class. A passionate UCLA Bruin fan, Jeff currently provides daily video and print content exclusively to various Stronach Group media platforms, including XBTV.com, 1stBet.com, XpressBet.com and santaanita.com/live. Affectionately dubbed “Scalp” decades ago due to his prominent pate, Siegel is not only one of the most respected handicapping minds in racing, he's also experienced Grade 1 success as an owner, having co-founded Team Valor and its predecessor, Clover Racing Stable, where he served as Vice President/Racing. During his 20-year involvement, the organization became the most prolific general partnership stable in North America, winning more than 100 stakes races (including 20 Grade I's) while amassing purse earnings in excess of $50 million. As a broadcast host and writer, Siegel earned an Eclipse Award for outstanding local television coverage in Thoroughbred racing in 1999 for “The Best of Santa Anita.” As a television analyst, he's covered racing's most prestigious events, including each of the three Triple Crown races, the Breeders' Cup, the Dubai World Cup and racing from Royal Ascot.

“The sport of Thoroughbred racing is as much fun for today as it was way back in the late 1950s when as a very young boy, my father first took me to Santa Anita,” said Siegel. “I've been fortunate to have worn a lot of hats over the past several decades and the passion has never wavered. I hope to continue to be involved for years to come.”

MICHELLE YU

Vivacious and a bundle of broadcast energy, Michelle is married to trainer Ryan Hanson, with whom she has two children, Olivia, 4 and Spencer, 2. A Southern California native and lifelong racing fan, she's ridden competitively since she was a young girl and has shown as a three-day eventer and played polo while attending the University of Louisville's Equine Business program. Early mornings often find Michelle assisting her husband with ground work and pre-training of racing prospects at a nearby farm. Well versed in a variety of sports, her broadcast credits include stints at TVG, HRTV, Fox Sports, Breeders' Cup Limited and Santa Anita, where she works as a simulcast host. Her Thoroughbred industry experience also includes backside assignments with Kentucky-based trainers Ron Moquett and Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.

“I can't wait to get back to racing at The Great Race Place,” said Yu. “I'm fortunate to get to walk into the track every day and I can't wait to share that happiness with all the fans starting on opening day. I'm looking forward to a kick-ass rendition of the Runhappy Malibu and the new turf chute, which gives us some great racing options!”

With six stakes, including three Grade 1 events and two Grade 2's helping to comprise a blockbuster card on opening day, first post time will be at 11 a.m. For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

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