New York Horse Racing Association Forges Bold Partnership to Expand Non-Profit and Empower Youth of Color

Within the esteemed realm of horse racing, where strength and grace coexist and the sound of hoof thunder reflects the competitive spirit, a significant change is taking place. A trailblazing movement aimed at breaking down the obstacles that have long prevented people of color from participating has arisen as the racing community struggles with the necessary need for inclusiveness and diversity. As innovators in the field come together to forge a new direction, the need for fair chances and representation is louder than ever in this age of awakening.

Something bold is happening, lighting a torch of promise and hope for a generation that will forever alter the colorful tapestry of Thoroughbred racing. An update was recently shared by the first capital of the United States, sharing a ground-breaking initiative that will transform the landscape of thoroughbred racing.

Horse racing committee announces exclusive opportunities

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the distinguished Ed Brown Society partnered giving a critical turning point in the equine industry’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusiveness. This collaboration aims to increase the Society’s visibility throughout New York State to provide an environment that will allow young people from marginalized groups to flourish and pursue lucrative jobs in the horse racing industry. According to Dave O’Rourke, President & CEO of the NYRA, ?Horse racing is a powerful economic engine that creates jobs and opportunities in every corner of New York State.?

This groundbreaking partnership revives the legacy of African Americans in the horse industry as its ripples shake the racing world. This collab launches an important endeavor to develop a varied pool of skills through the Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows program, under the inspiring direction of the Ed Brown Society, an enduring homage to the renowned African-American horseman Edward Dudley Brown.

Additionally, the Paulick Report reported an introduction of paid internships at elite racetracks like Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct Racetrack. NYRA will provide young people of color access to a wide range of employment opportunities with sizable financial contributions. The combined efforts of these two organizations demonstrate their steadfast dedication to creating a fair and inclusive horse racing environment.

Storied Legacy by the man himself

The Ed Brown Society honors a groundbreaking individual whose lasting contributions to the sport continue to echo through generations, and it is rooted in the incredible legacy of Edward Dudley Brown. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, Brown was a well-regarded rider, trainer, and owner. His extraordinary accomplishments, which included training Baden-Baden, the winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1877, highlight the significant influence of African Americans on the Thoroughbred racing industry.

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Brown’s legacy endures as a tribute to the everlasting spirit of excellence and endurance, and his well-deserved admission into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1984 serves as a beacon of hope for the goals of the next generations in the sport. The self-described, ?third-generation horseman? shared his excitement to welcome professionals in the industry and said,? ?I am very excited to begin this important work in New York.?

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