What Was the Winner's Circle?
The concept of the winner's circle in Thoroughbred racing has evolved over time, but its origin dates back to the 19th century when horse racing began to formalize in a way that would make it the structured sport we recognize today.
Initially, the idea of a "winner's circle" was more figurative than literal. In the early days of racing, horses would race on open fields, and after a race, the winner might be publicly acknowledged, but the moment of recognition was less formalized than it is now. There wasn't a dedicated area for the winning horse and connections to gather immediately after the race.
The Smartest Investment in Horse Racing? Youth!
Supporting Amplify isn't charity—it's strategy. Because without the next generation, there is no future.

Press Release: Amplify Horse Racing Selected for National CareerViewXR Grant to Showcase Thoroughbred Industry Careers
Amplify Horse Racing has been named one of three top
national awardees of the 2025 CareerViewXR Production Grant, a program developed by
CareerViewXR, a division of Be More Colorful. This grant will support the creation of an
immersive virtual field trip that introduces students across the U.S. to careers in the
Thoroughbred racing industry—bringing the world of horse racing directly into classrooms and
youth programs nationwide.
Everyday Expressions with Horse Racing Roots
Did you know that many horse racing terms are commonly used in everyday speech and pop culture to describe competition and outcomes?! You might have been speaking the language of horse racing without even realizing it!
Here are 11 racing terms that you’ve probably heard used in daily conversations:

Balancing Passion and Profit in the Horse Industry: A Q&A with Laurie Mays
How do you balance passion and financial sustainability in a career with horses? We spoke with Laurie Mays, Senior Workforce Development Project Manager at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation, who provided valuable insights into the industry's diverse career opportunities, essential skills, and specialized trades. With decades of experience in the equine sector, Laurie offered an educational perspective on how young aspiring professionals can build rewarding careers that align their love for horses with long-term financial stability.

Understanding Racetrack Measurements - Poles
When you visit a racetrack or watch a race on television, you’ll notice colorful poles lining the inner rail. These aren’t just for decoration—they serve as crucial markers that measure race time and distance. Jockeys rely on them to plan their moves, deciding when to accelerate or conserve energy, while viewers use them to gauge how much distance remains in the race.

Épinard: The Forgotten French Champion Who Conquered Hearts Across Continents
From European sensation to American icon—how one of history’s greatest Thoroughbreds vanished into obscurity and was rediscovered in the unlikeliest of places.

End of Year Letter from Executive Director Annise Montplaisir
When Amplify Horse Racing was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020, our goal was to engage youth with the Thoroughbred industry. As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect with immense pride on how Amplify isn’t just engaging youth with the Thoroughbred industry—we have become the national youth arm of the U.S. industry.







Connecting Youth to the Joy of Thoroughbred Racing: Morton Urban Equine Program
Morton Urban Equine Program
