Breeders' Cup World Championships
Seven RTIP students were given the opportunity to volunteer at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Held on November 3rd and 4th at Santa Anita Park, students took part in integral guest experience functions for the event.
One role had students acting as “Owner Hosts”, where they would escort owners to and from the paddock prior to their horse running in a Breeders’ Cup race. RTIP student, Mohanad Almokhadm, had the privilege of escorting the owners of a Breeders’ Cup race to the winner’s circle!
The other role required students to hold numbered signs in the paddock where connections would gather pre-race. This was a great way for students to interact with industry figures at the event, and get an up-close look at the competitors.
The weekend ended on a high note when Real Fire, a filly bred by the RTIP, ran in the final race on the Saturday card. This was the first time some of the students were able to see the filly run in person. Although Real Fire did not win the race, it was still an amazing experience for students to feel the thrill of watching a horse they “bred” participate on such a big day of racing. — Eric DeCoster