The fourth annual Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA) Conference, presented by Del Mar and FanDuel TV, made its debut in Lexington, Kentucky this year. Held Oct. 8-9 at Limestone Hall, the expansive event, consisting of panel discussions and networking activities, hosted nearly 200 women representing a variety of careers and experience levels throughout the Thoroughbred racing industry.
Following Wednesday's welcome reception, attendees gathered Thursday in downtown Lexington as the day's program kicked off with featured speaker Lindsay Czarniak, an accomplished media personality with more than two decades of experience in sports journalism. In recent years, Czarniak has expanded into horse racing through her partnership with America's Best Racing and their “Stake in Stardom” program.
“From writing on my dad's racing notebooks to walking over for the Kentucky Derby with him, it all came full circle,” said Czarniak. “Every piece of that day turned into a memory I'll never forget.”
Czarniak touched on the uniqueness of the racing industry in comparison to other sports she has covered, emphasizing the interconnectedness and true sense of community.
“I haven't seen this before. They don't do this in other sports. To be able to lean on each other as resources, mentors, and sounding boards, this is truly remarkable.”
The first panel discussion of the day, entitled “Roadblocks to Relationships: Building Networks that Change the Game,” was moderated by Jessica Paquette, and led by speakers Caton Bredar, Kate Galvin, Sheri Holmes Stirling, and Lesley Howard.
Each speaker provided insight on building connections, mastering the art of networking, and turning career challenges into unexpected game changers.
“Sometimes opportunity doesn't knock softly, it just keeps showing up until you say yes,” said Stirling. “Every time someone said, 'Hey, someone left. Do you want to do this?' I just said, 'Sure, why not me?'”
“I spent so much time worrying about imposter syndrome and pleasing everyone else that I forgot where I was… at a racetrack, watching these beautiful animals compete,” said Howard. “You don't have to prove you belong. You already do.”
Molly Fletcher | Katie Jones
Following the momentum of the first panel, the second panel discussion–“Fueling the Fire Without Burning Out”–continued with Melanie Case, Erin Halliwell, Brittany Middlebrooks, Kelley Stobie, and moderator Shannon Kelly, as the group discussed exploring how to navigate burnout, the effects of compassion fatigue, and the path back to balance.
“Just remember that you have to take care of yourself first. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of the animals and the people around you,” said Middlebrooks. “I used to think one person could mentor me in everything, but no one can do it all. So, I built a team of mentors, each inspiring me in a different way.”
The third and final panel of the day, entitled “Horse Racing Ecosystems: Markets, Models and Money,” set the stage for a conversation unpacking the economics of racing and how market trends influence industry discussions. Moderator Alison Zeitlin was joined by speakers Kelley Kraeszig, Maggi Moss, Katy Ross, and Anna Seitz Ciannello.
“The perception that it's the sport of kings, or royalty, or that you can't have a part of it, I am a living example that you can,” said Moss.
“It's a hard sport, but it's a great sport, and there are a lot of people trying to make it better every day,” said Seitz.
The day's discussion culminated with an inspiring talk, along with an interactive discussion and Q & A session, led by renowned keynote speaker, Molly Fletcher. Making a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents, Fletcher pursued a nearly two-decade career that consisted of negotiating over $500 million in contracts and representing over 300 of sports' biggest names.
A World's Top 50 Keynote Speaker, Fletcher shared personal stories that relayed the importance of establishing mindset, utilizing curiosity, and focusing energy.
“If we don't decide where our energy goes, then everyone else decides for us. And it is too critical a resource to waste. Managing your energy is key to high performance,” said Fletcher. “Protect the things that give you energy, personally and professionally.”
“Mindset is paramount to our ability to be the best version of ourselves. Continue to unlock that every day.”
The afternoon was also highlighted by the presentation of the 2025 Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award, bestowed in recognition of Goldstein whose groundbreaking career paved the way for every woman who works to promote racing. The award was presented this year to honoree Amy Gregory, who recently retired after serving as a prominent member of the Keeneland team for nearly two decades.
Amy Gregory with her family | Katie Jones
“This award is even more special to me because it is in Jane's name and Jane has always been one of my heroes. For me and so many women in racing, she not only opened the door to opportunity, but she was our role model once we stepped through that door,” said Gregory. “During my career, I've been privileged to work alongside an amazing community of women in a sport that we all love and deeply care about. In fact, it's been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
At the conclusion of the Conference, the HRWA Executive Committee announced that the HRWA Conference will return to Lexington in 2026.
The next HRWA event on the 2025 calendar will take place at Del Mar on Oct. 30 ahead of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. Attendees are invited to enjoy a day of racing, networking and handicapping.
To learn more about the Horse Racing Women's Association and how to become a member, click here.
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