Eric DeCoster: NYRA
This summer I was fortunate enough to spend 12 weeks interning with the New York Racing Association between Belmont Park and Saratoga. Throughout my time I was able to work and shadow the many different functions of the racing office and racing department. I enjoyed working during some of racing's biggest days including the Belmont Stakes Festival and Whitney Stakes Day at Saratoga. In the mornings I would help take entries and finalize race cards alongside the racing office staff. Once operations moved to Saratoga, I worked as the assistant paddock judge, Helping check equipment and maintain flow during the races. I was even fortunate enough to call "Riders Up!" during the G1 Saratoga Derby and G2 Shuvee Stakes. I also got the privilege of working under Keith Doleshel and RTIP Alumn. I enjoyed my time in New York and can't wait to apply the skills I learned once I join the racing workforce.