Celebrating the HRWA’s valued Partners that make it possible to build connections within our community and shine the spotlight on the inspiring women that help move our sport forward.
👏🏼❤️🐎
The support of our 2026 sponsors makes it possible for HRWA to bring our pillars to life—to engage, elevate, and invest in the women of horse racing through our events, conferences, and all the in-betweens.
We celebrate each of you and extend our deepest gratitude!
@1ST_Racing @TheAidanButler @ABRLive @BreedersCup
@cntymile @DelMarRacing @EclipseTBP @FanDuelTV
@GulfstreamPark @ChristyHalling @thehorsesab
@HronisRacing @KYTbred @keeneland @GSSTheAgency
@LanesEndFarms @LittleRedFeather @NTRA @NBCSports
@santaanitapark @TJC_SafetyNet @jockeyclub @ukequine
Amy is one of my HERoes ⭐️✨
How she does, what she does, for so many, literally around the globe … there has to be clones of her! Amy listens, will be candid with care, and while her phone and computer ping away with messages, she’s so present when you need her. @NeverSettleTV I hope that collectively, we can at least give an ounce back to you, with all that you give to guide and support so many. 💛🥂
Amy Zimmerman is a SUPERHERO to women and men across the globe! ⭐
Zimmerman has been a driving force in horse racing and sports broadcasting for decades. Since joining the Santa Anita Park staff in 1986, she has worked her way through various broadcasting and management roles to become Senior Vice President and Executive Producer. Since 1988, she has also worked extensively with NBC Sports on horse racing coverage, including the Breeders’ Cup and Triple Crown races, as well as seven Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Zimmerman was the founding network executive producer for HRTV, the 24-hour horse racing television network launched in 2002. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous industry honors, including:
- 32 Eclipse Awards as an executive producer, producer, co-producer or associate producer.
- Four Sports Emmy Awards.
- 12 Regional Emmy Awards for producing and writing original productions.
- Four International Simulcast Awards.
Beyond her impressive accomplishments in broadcasting, Zimmerman has built lasting relationships throughout the industry. She credits Jane Goldstein, the namesake of the award she received, as an idol, boss, mentor and treasured friend of more than 40 years.
Amy’s dedication, leadership and influence have helped shape horse racing and sports broadcasting for generations. The Horse Racing Women’s Association was proud to honor her with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at its fifth annual Conference, Oct. 12–14, in Lexington, Kentucky.
📸 Photo Credits:
NBC Photo: by @benoitphoto_ and provided by Kathryn Finlay Zimmerman
Santa Anita Photo: @KatieDaisyLA
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Our Emerging Professionals at their inaugural event -- Keeneland's 2026 Fall Scholarship Day!
Officially launched three days ago and ready to Engage, Elevate, and Invest In the next generation of horse racing.
The future is bright with this up and coming group of rising industry professionals! 👏🌟✨ – at Kentucky, USA
The @horseracingwmn rounds out 2026 with a conference that brought 193 women (and a few male allies) together from all corners of the industry — seasoned to emerging professionals! To witness the networking, discussions and learning that launched during our nearly three days together was inspiring! Let’s continue the conversations and ideas that were started at the conference. For you, your workplaces, horse racing and most importantly — our stunning equine athletes! ⭐️✨
🗣️ "Don't settle for being the best woman for the job. Be the best, full stop."
The @horseracingwmn hosted a milestone fifth annual conference this year, highlighted by Olympic gold medalist @eamslider24, trainer @reredevaux, and more. @SaraChristineG
thoroughbreddailynews.com/ho…
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
A well-deserved honor for a woman who has helped shape the sport.
Congratulations to Amy Zimmerman, this year’s recipient of the HRWA Jane Goldstein Award!
A respected leader, storyteller, and trailblazer in horse racing, Amy has spent her career making an impact both behind the scenes and across the industry.
We are proud to celebrate her today and recognize a career that continues to inspire the next generation of women in racing.
Thank you, Amy! 👏
A wonderful flashback moment with Accelerate 🤩
The last @BreedersCup Classic to be run at @ChurchillDowns! 🏆
When will the World Championships return beneath the Twin Spires? 🤔
Really enjoyed chatting go @JRosarioJockey about ACCELERATE’s win for @johnwsadler & @Hronis_Racing 👏
I'm sorry, what?!
What year, what century are we in?
This is appalling and absolutely hinders the sport to move forward.
What this article addresses is just a glimpse of the issues that Jessica has to deal with as person constructively contributing to the sport of horse racing.
Everyone, do better.
@jmpaquette thank you for opening doors for us women and girls out there, inspiring us to go after our dreams, push past the chatter, and keep going!
I stand behind you, Jessica.
paulickreport.com/news/ray-s…
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
🚨HISTORY MADE AT DONCASTER🚨
Huge congratulations to @OsborneSaffie, who has officially written her name into the racing record books by becoming the first female jockey to win a British Classic! 🏆
How @NeverSettleTV covers so much territory - looking after others and checking in on them to her stellar and expansive career, always has me in awe as she sets the bar on caring for her communities.
Celebrating a true trailblazer in our industry. ✨
We are proud to announce Amy Zimmerman as the 2026 recipient of the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award, to be presented at this year’s HRWA Annual Conference.
From decades of groundbreaking work in sports television to an extraordinary career dedicated to horse racing, Amy’s leadership, impact, and commitment to our sport embody what this award represents.
Please join us in congratulating Amy on this well-deserved honor!
@neversettletv
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Annise Montplaisir has been nurturing the next generation of our sport since she co-founded @amplifyracing in 2019. Read more about her story here: americasbestracing.net/lifes…
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Classic-winning trainer Jena Antonucci has made her way West to @delmarracing, already winning two races! Read more: paulickreport.com/news/peopl…
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Today we are sharing about the visionary Sue Finley, Publisher and CEO of The Thoroughbred Daily News. The TDN is the largest and most widely read digital magazine for the thoroughbred racing industry.
While in her senior year at New York University, Sue started an internship with the NYRA press department. She later accepted a full-time position in her last term and worked there for eight years, making the early morning line and promoting the sport through television. Sue then left to work as a researcher on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
Just two years later, in 1993, Sue was part of the team that took over the production of the Thoroughbred Daily News and became co-publisher. She has overseen the Red Bank, NJ, office since then. Finley won the 2024 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Multimedia Production with her story, “After Saving Two Horses From a Kill Pen, Stewart Aims to do More to End Slaughter.” Along with running the TDN, she has been involved in many other facets of the industry, including:
- 12 years as the First Vice President of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation – an organization dedicated to humane retirement of thoroughbreds.
- 3 years on the board of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
- She is currently on the board of directors of HERF – an organization providing surgery and recovery for injured racehorses whose owners cannot afford it.
- She is also currently on the advisory board of the Belmont Child Care Association.
Sue’s dedication to thoroughbred racing extends far beyond her work with the TDN. Through decades of leadership, advocacy, and service, she continues to make a lasting impact on the industry and the people and horses who make it special.
📸 Photos courtesy of Sue Finley
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Two names and voices in Thoroughbred racing who know a thing or two about breaking barriers and building successful careers.
🏆Cherie DeVaux, first female trainer to win the @kentuckyderby @reredevaux
🏆Daisy Phipps Pulito, Owner, Breeder, 5th Generation Advocate of Phipps Stable
A conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us in Lexington, Kentucky on October 12-14. bit.ly/3ULIwML
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Please join us in welcoming Six-Time Olympic Medalist & World Champion Elana Meyers Taylor as the keynote speaker for this year’s Annual Conference. ✨🥇 @eamslider24
A trailblazer who has succeeded at the highest level of her sport, Elana will explore themes of leadership, resilience, high performance, and what it takes to pursue ambitious goals.
Moderated by @NBC & @primevideo host and reporter @britneyeurton.
📍 Lexington, KY 📅 October 12–14
🎟️ Tickets: bit.ly/3ULIwML
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
A wonderful afternoon at @delmarracing in support of an organization that does so much for the people of California racing. ❤️
Thoroughbred Owners of California was proud to host Thursday’s TOC Charity Luncheon, benefiting @APlaceForHelp Winners Foundation and the incredibly important work they do throughout our racing community.
For more than 40 years, Winners Foundation has been there for California racing employees and their families, providing free, confidential support, assistance and referrals to those facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, compulsive gambling and other personal crises.
Much of their work happens quietly and behind the scenes, but the impact they have on the lives of people throughout our industry is immeasurable.
A special thank you to Winners Foundation Executive Director & Vice President Darin Scharer for joining us and speaking about the Foundation’s work, to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for generously hosting the event, and to everyone who attended and supported such an important cause.
TOC is proud to support Winners Foundation and the people who dedicate themselves every day to helping members of our racing family when they need it most. ❤️🏇 – at Del Mar, CA
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
The women behind the conversation. 🎙️
Meet the speakers for our first HRWA 2026 panel, Ambition & Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing and secure your tickets before Early Bird pricing ends Sept 1!
Ticket link: bit.ly/3ULIwML
Four leaders and the conversation that kicks off our conference.
🐴Shannon Arvin, President & CEO, @keeneland
🐴 @RosieNapravnik, Retired MGSW Jockey, OTTB Re-Training, @newvocations
🐴 Emily Bushnell, Tranquility Lake Farms & Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship
🐴 Jamie Eads, President & CEO, Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation
Moderated by Hallie Hardy, Horse Country, @KYHorseCountry
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
The women taking the stage at HRWA 2026 are bringing big ideas, real experience and fresh perspectives to the conversation for Panel 3, The Power of Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship, & Opening Doors.
👏Dena Merson, Founder, Simply Racing
👏Heather Higgins, SVP Corporate Partnerships, @breederscup
👏Katie Taylor-Whalen, Director of Marketing, @taylormadesales
👏Deja Robinson, Ed Brown Society Fellow, DVM Candidate @edbrownsociety
Moderated by Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations & Experience, Churchill Downs @churchilldowns
Early Bird Pricing ends Sept. 1st. Tickets: ➡️ bit.ly/3ULIwML
The HRWA seeks to ensure doors are open for the next generation of women in horse racing! Those interested or just getting started in the sport + ages 18-33, provide your input! Collectively, responses will drive decisions that build the Emerging Professionals community.
Calling all young women interested in Thoroughbred racing! 📣 The HRWA is launching an Emerging Professionals initiative to connect, support and mentor the next generation of women in the horse industry.
We're gathering feedback, via this brief survey, about what types of resources and events would be most helpful to you. Your comments will directly shape our networking, educational and career-building opportunities. Whether you are pursuing a career in horse racing or just curious about the industry, your insights are valuable to us. Thank you!
📝 Access the survey at: surveymonkey.com/r/EPplannin…
Stephanie Leal Hronis retweeted
Such a wonderful morning @cntymile!
Our backstretch event consisted of giving goodie bags to the women on the backstretch. So thankful for all they do! ❤️
Our HRWA x Century Mile event kicks off soon, stay tuned for more BTS content!
