Eric Park: Gulfstream Park, The Jockey Club, Saratoga Racecourse
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of the U.S. horse racing industry through internships at Gulfstream Park, The Jockey Club, and Saratoga Racecourse.
At Gulfstream Park, I worked in the racing office, where I assisted with entries and claiming administration. I also shadowed the stewards and placing judges, learning about the processes that ensure fairness and integrity in racing. A particularly thrilling moment was presenting trophy to the winning connections, which brought me closer to the excitement of the sport. Mike Costanzo, the racing secretary and a proud RTIP alumnus, played a pivotal role during my time at Gulfstream. His extensive knowledge of racetrack operations and willingness to share advice provided invaluable lessons that will stay with me throughout my career.
My time working with The Jockey Club under the guidance of Andrew Chesser gave me a deep appreciation for the administrative and regulatory backbone of the U.S. horse racing industry. Andrew’s mentorship was invaluable—he provided insights into the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) and the detailed horse registration process.
At the Kentucky Racing Commission, I had the chance to explore its mission, understand its challenges, and observe its regulatory processes, all of which offered valuable insights into how a decentralized regulatory system operates.
I also learned about cataloging systems, gained strategic insights at the Breeders’ Cup office, and discussed ways to grow the sport’s appeal with passionate leaders. Each conversation reinforced the importance of innovation and adaptability in horse racing, broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of the sport’s global ecosystem.
My Saratoga experience began by attending The Jockey Club’s Annual Round Table Conference, where I gained insights into key topics such as racetrack modernization, sports betting integration, and equine safety.
I also worked in the racing office with Keith Doleshel, a distinguished RTIP alumnus. Keith not only introduced me to the vibrant morning track work at the Oklahoma Training Center but also guided me through the intricacies of race planning and entries. The Whitney Stakes was a highlight of my Saratoga experience, as was the Fasig-Tipton sale.
This internship was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a transformative chapter in my career.
These experiences have already begun to shape my contributions to the Korea Racing Authority, where I work on the race planning team. The knowledge I gained has allowed me to approach my role with a global perspective and a commitment to innovation. I am confident that the lessons I learned will help bridge the gap between Korean practices and global standards, ensuring the continued growth of horse racing in Korea. – Eric Park