Global Symposium on Racing Speaker: Vicky Leonard
Vicky Leonard is the Founder and thought leader behind Light Up Racing, a U.S.-based initiative dedicated to building public confidence in horse racing through transparency, education and collaboration. Her work focuses on shifting public perception of the sport - addressing welfare concerns head-on, breaking down misinformation, and helping the industry communicate with clarity and credibility.
Originally from New Zealand and now based between Australia and the United States, Vicky brings a global perspective to the modernisation of racing’s communications. She is also Managing Director of Kick Collective, an independent marketing and strategy agency that leads campaigns for major racing organisations across Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, and Managing Editor of The Thoroughbred Report, a daily news publication for the Australasian bloodstock industry.
A graduate of the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program and an MBA from the Sydney Business School, Vicky has worked with many of the world’s most respected breeding and racing leaders. Her approach blends commercial strategy, creative storytelling and social impact, helping the industry evolve in line with public expectations.
Vicky has presented internationally on welfare communications, perception change, and trust-building in sport. Through Light Up Racing, she is leading a growing movement of industry professionals committed to showing the world what horse racing truly stands for.