Building Connections and Creating Change in Horse Racing
The Race Track Industry Program welcomed Jodie Vella-Gregory, Vice President of Industry Relations at 1/ST Racing, to speak with students about her career in horse racing and the many different roles she has taken on in the industry. In her current role in industry relations, Jodie works closely with owners, trainers, racing organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders. She explained that much of her job comes down to building relationships and bringing people together to find solutions. One piece of advice that stood out was the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity, even if it ultimately teaches you what you do not want to do. As Jodie explained, “You never want to close a door or burn a bridge,” because people and opportunities have a way of coming back around later in your career.
A major part of the conversation focused on Thoroughbred aftercare, something Jodie is especially passionate about. She discussed the importance of making aftercare part of racing’s overall business model rather than treating it as an afterthought. Through aftercare liaisons at Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park, relationships with accredited organizations, and her involvement with the Retired Racehorse Project, Jodie wants to ensure retired racehorses find safe homes and successful second careers. She emphasized that the racing industry’s future depends heavily on how it cares for its horses, saying, “If we’re not looking after our horses, then we don’t really deserve to be in a position of power or leadership.”
Jodie also discussed her work with the Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA), which grew from a small luncheon of about 60 women into an organization focused on professional development, networking, education, and mentorship. The organization’s mission centers around three main ideas: investing in, engaging, and elevating women in horse racing. Through conferences, events, membership programs, and the new Emerging Professionals initiative, the HRWA is helping create opportunities for both established industry professionals and those just beginning their careers.
Overall, Jodie’s talk showed just how interconnected the different pieces of the racing industry really are. Whether working in aftercare, industry relations, major events, or professional development, relationships remain at the center of her work. Her message to students was a good reminder to take advantage of opportunities, ask for help when needed, build connections, and learn something from every experience along the way.