It’s so important to create a safe, non-judgmental place where we can support each other.
The Horse Racing Women’s Association Conference returns to Lexington for three days of education, inspiration, and meaningful connection. Bringing together accomplished leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals from every corner of the Thoroughbred industry, the conference creates a space to share ideas, build relationships, celebrate achievements, and explore the opportunities ahead. From trailblazers who have helped define the sport to the next generation of leaders moving it forward, the conference highlights the collective impact of women whose contributions continue to strengthen racing at every level.
Designed for professionals at every stage of their careers, the conference brings together leaders from across racing, breeding, media, technology, veterinary medicine, business, and sport to share ideas, build relationships, and create new opportunities for growth.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking experiences, and guided breakout sessions, attendees will gain practical insights, expand their professional networks, and leave energized to make an impact within the industry.
Our speaker lineup features women redefining leadership in horse racing. Attendees will walk away with sharp insights, renewed confidence, and the momentum to race forward.
Five-Time Olympian | Six-Time Olympic Medalist | Olympic & World Champion Elana Meyers Taylor's journey to Olympic gold is a story of resilience, determination, and leadership. Widely regarded as one of the greatest bobsled pilots in Olympic history, Elana has spent nearly two decades breaking barriers, making history, and inspiring others through her pursuit of excellence.
A six-time Olympic medalist and World Champion, Elana became the first American woman to win a World Championship in two-woman bobsled and the first woman ever to earn a medal competing in an international men's four-man bobsled event. In 2026, she achieved her lifelong dream by capturing Olympic Gold after a remarkable nineteen-year journey.
Beyond athletics, Elana is a passionate advocate, mother, and role model whose story demonstrates the power of perseverance, adaptability, and believing in possibilities beyond perceived limitations.
Join us for an inspiring keynote and fireside chat exploring leadership, resilience, high performance, and what it takes to pursue ambitious goals while navigating life's greatest challenges.
Moderated by Britney Eurton, Host & Reporter, NBC & Prime Video
Featuring Cherie DeVaux, the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby and the only woman to capture two Triple Crown races in a single season. And Daisy Phipps Pulito, Owner, Breeder, 5th generation advocate of Phipps Stable.
Moderated by Audrey Cassidy, VIP Director – Racing, FanDuel
Featured Speaker
Cherie DeVaux is a Kentucky-based Thoroughbred trainer who has rapidly emerged as one of the sport’s leading horsewomen.
Featured Speaker
Daisy Phipps Pulito has dedicated her career to preserving and advancing one of Thoroughbred racing’s most storied legacies.
Hallie Hardy
Executive Director, Horse Country
Shannon Arvin
President & CEO, Keeneland
Rosie Napravnik
Retired Multiple Graded Stakes-Winning Jockey; OTTB Retraining Advocate, New Vocations
Emily Bushnell
Founder & Owner, Tranquility Lake Farms; Founder & Executive Director, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship
Jamie Eads
President & CEO, Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation
Liza Hendriks
Founder, Wanamaker | Board of Directors, Inglis Digital USA
Dr. Dionne Benson
Chief Veterinary Officer, 1/ST
Caroline Leach
Data Management Specialist, University of Kentucky Center for Applied AI
Youmna Hakoum
Senior Data Analyst, Equibase
Charlotte Clement de Bona
Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, The Jockey Club
Cathy Shircliff
Director of Equine Industry Relations & Experience, Churchill Downs Incorporated
Dena Merson
Founder, Simply Racing
Heather Higgins
Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Breeders’ Cup Limited
Katie Taylor-Whalen
Vice President, Operations, Taylor Made Sales Agency, Inc.
Deja Robinson
Ed Brown Society Fellow; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Candidate
President & CEO, Keeneland
Shannon Bishop Arvin has served as Keeneland’s eighth President and CEO since 2021. She began practicing law in 2002
Retired MGSW Jockey, Current OTTB Re-Training | New Vocations
Rosie Napravnik is an accomplished and highly respected horsewoman whose career has spanned the highest levels of Thoroughbred racing
Founder & Executive Director, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship | Founder and Owner, Tranquility Lake Farms
Emily is the founder and owner of Tranquility Lake Farms, a boutique Thoroughbred operation focused on strategic breeding, selective sales,
President & CEO, Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation
Jamie Eads is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRG).
Chief Veterinary Officer, 1ST
Dr. Dionne Benson is the Chief Veterinary Officer for 1/ST RACING, North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing
Data Management Specialist, University of Kentucky, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Applied AI
Caroline grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. Today, she architects AI solutions that bridge researchers’ needs with the latest technology
Senior Data Analyst, Equibase
I am the Senior Data Analyst at Equibase, where I work on analytics, ratings systems, predictive modeling, and technology initiatives
Founder, Simply Racing
Dena has built a varied career spanning both the City and the racing industry and is the Founder of Simply Racing.
SVP, Corporate Partnerships, Breeders' Cup
Heather leads Corporate Partnerships for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, overseeing partnership strategy, business development,
Vice President, Operations, Taylor Made Sales Agency, Inc.
Katie Taylor-Whalen has spent nearly two decades at Taylor Made Sales Agency; a family-founded business she has helped grow
DVM Candidate, Ed Brown Society - Fellow
Deja Robinson is a second-year veterinary student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine with interests in sport horse medicine
Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, The Jockey Club
Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Equine Science and Management and Director of the Martin-Gatton Student Leadership Academy
Dr. Savannah Robin is a Lecturer of Career and Professional Development and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science and Management Undergraduate Program as well as the Director of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Student Leadership Academy.
Retired Jockey and Reporter, NBC Sports; Client Relations, Starlight Racing; Author, “Inside Track”; Consultant, Scout & Cellar Wines.
Donna Barton Brothers is a former champion jockey with over 1,100 race wins, as well as a celebrated television broadcaster for NBC Sports who recently retired in 2026.
Donna Barton Brothers was born into horse racing. Her mother, Patti Barton, was one of the first half dozen women to be licensed as a jockey in the United States—that was in 1969. Throughout Patti Barton’s career (and until four years after her retirement) she was the leading female rider in the nation by number of wins. Patti retired from racing in 1984 with just over 1,200 wins.
Both Donna’s brother, Jerry, and sister, Leah, were jockeys, but by the time Donna started riding professionally in 1987, her mother, brother, and sister had all retired from riding. That’s when Donna’s racing career took off. She rode from 1987 to 1998 and retired in 1998 as the second leading female jockey in the United States by money earned. She holds that title still, with 1,130 wins and more than $18 million in purse earnings.
In 1999, she began dabbling in television commentary, and since 2000, she has been a sports analyst and commentator for NBC Sports, covering the Breeder’s Cup Championships, World Equestrian Games, PBR World Championships, Kentucky Land Rover (Rolex) Three Day Event, the Triple Crown races and more. To date, she has covered 23 consecutive Kentucky Derbies, including the historic victories that took place in 2015 when American Pharaoh won the Triple Crown for the first time in 37 years, followed three years later by Justify’s domination of the Triple Crown races in 2018!
“Brothers plies her trade not on the sidelines but on a saddle, as NBC’s on-track reporter for horse racing. Year after year, she does excellent work, interviewing jockeys before and after Triple Crown races, always with an eye toward providing information for viewers.”
(Excerpt from Sports Illustrated. For the full story click here.)
Brothers is also the author of Inside Track: Insider’s Guide to Horse Racing, published in 2011 and then updated in 2014 and again in 2020. The book is geared toward bridging the gap between novice horse racing fans and the sometimes complicated ins and outs of the sport of thoroughbred racing. The book is now in its third printing. In 2014, Donna was honored by Sports Illustrated Magazine when she was awarded Best Sideline Reporter of the Year for her on-track reporting.
She currently serves as New Client Liaison for Starlight and StarLadies Racing and remains an active ambassador for horse racing, the sport she has been involved with since her earliest memory.
Racing Partnerships: Donna believes that the best way to enter horse racing ownership is through a partnership. This allows all participants to spread the risk and share in the joy. “Horse ownership can be so much fun, but it’s also expensive to do alone, and the learning curve is enormous.” She’s a massive fan of Starlight and StarLadies Racing because the managing partners put their money and passion into the partnership. To learn more about these partnerships and their impressive record of success, visit their website. Message Donna directly if you’d like to learn more.
A big believer in giving back, she also takes an active role in the community in multiple roles, from advocating for thoroughbred aftercare to supporting backstretch resource services. Donna currently serves on the Executive Board of the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky and is a Board member for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. She is also a former board member of both the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation and the Backside Learning Center. She continues to advocate for these organizations through her fundraising efforts. Brothers has also served as a Keynote Speaker at many events, talking about horse racing and/or inspiring people with the story of her own journey. To book Donna for a public speaking event, please reach out to her here.
When she’s not on location, or in meetings, she loves to spend time with her two dogs and her husband, Frank (not necessarily in that order!). She also skis, practices yoga, is always reading something, and loves to travel. In the past few years she’s been to Italy (three times), France, Spain, South Africa, Costa Rica (twice), Switzerland, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Amsterdam, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and many, many points around the United States, often while covering many of the nationally televised equestrian events.
Host and Reporter, NBC & Prime Video | Fireside Chat Moderator
Britney Eurton is a host and reporter for NBC Sports, Prime Video, and other leading broadcast networks.
VIP Director - Racing, FanDuel | Featured Speaker Moderator
Audrey Cassidy is the VIP Director of Racing at FanDuel, where she leads the Horse Racing VIP Team and works to introduce
Executive Director, Horse Country | Moderator Panel 1: Ambition & Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing
Hallie Hardy is the Executive Director of Visit Horse Country, the industry leader in experiential marketing.
Founder, Wanamakers, Board of Directors, Inglis Digital USA | Moderator Panel 2: Future Proofing: Tech, AI & the Next Era of Racing
Liza Hendriks is an entrepreneur and racing executive with experience spanning racing, breeding, sales, and digital innovation.
Director of Equine Industry Relations & Experience, Churchill Downs Inc. | Moderator Panel 3: The Power Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship & Opening Doors
Cathy Shircliff is the Director of Equine Industry Relations & Experience for Churchill Downs, where she serves as a liaison between
Racing Analyst & Commentator
Caton, an award-winning horse racing analyst and commentator, lives in Louisville, KY and Hallandale Beach, FL with her husband, Doug, and two cats, Smokey and Bandit.
Backstretch Women’s Luncheon
Keeneland Pavilion
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Note: this event is not included in conference ticket and will be offered to Backstretch Community and volunteers only
| 10:30 a.m. | Doors Open Hosted by Keeneland, The Safety Net Foundation & HRWA |
| 11:15 a.m. | Welcome & Kick Off |
| 11:30 a.m. | Speaker Programming |
| 12:00 a.m. | Closing Remarks & Raffle |
| 12:30 p.m. | Buffet Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Event Conclusion |
Welcome & Networking Reception
Harper Hall, Lower Level
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Note: Beginning of ticketed programming
| 4:30 p.m. | Check-In & Registration Opens |
| 5:00 p.m. | Hors D’Oeuvres and Beverages |
| 5:15 p.m. | Welcome Guest Speaker – Donna Brothers Networking Activity – Five for Your Tribe |
| 7:00 p.m. | Event Wrap Up |
Conference Day
Harper Hall
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
| 7:30 a.m. | Check-In & Registration Breakfast Opens |
| 8:45 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:00 a.m. | Panel 1: Ambition & Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing |
| 10:00 a.m. | Panel 2: Future Proofing: Tech, AI & the Next Era of Racing |
| 11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:30 a.m. | Featured Speakers: Cherie DeVaux & Daisy Phipps Pulito Moderated by Audrey Cassidy |
| 12:00 p.m. | Jane Goldstein Award Presentation |
| 12:30 p.m. | Networking Luncheon |
| 2:00 p.m. | Panel 3: The Power Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship & Opening Doors |
| 3:00 p.m. | Keynote Speaker: Elana Meyers Taylor, Olympic Gold Medalist Moderated by Britney Eurton |
| 4:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 4:15 p.m. | Reception & Networking Meet & Greet with Elana Meyers Taylor, Olympic Medalist |
| 5:30 p.m. | Event Concludes |
HRWA Guided Networking
Keeneland Sales Pavilion
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
| 10:00 a.m. | Arrival & Light Breakfast |
| 10:30 a.m. | Breakout and Guided Networking Workshop facilitated by Dr. Savannah Robin |
| 12:30 p.m. | Event Concludes & Group Departs for the Races |
Keeneland “Stay & Play” Race Day
Keeneland Clubhouse | Club Lawn Chalet
| 1:00 p.m. | First Post |
| 2:15 p.m. | Paddock Tour (Race 4) Winner’s Circle Commemorative Photo Networking continued |
Join industry leaders, innovators, executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals for three unforgettable days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Explore ticket options below.
| Registration | Details | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Conference | Available through September 1, 2026. | Member: $350 Non-Member: $395 |
| Conference Registration | Begins after September 1, 2026. | Member: $450 Non-Member: $495 |
| Corporate Table Package | Includes admission for 8 attendees. | $3,000 per table |
| Student Registration | Valid student identification required. Email [email protected] to apply. | $225 |
The HRWA Pay It Forward program is back for 2026. This initiative invites companies and individuals to sponsor tickets for women who would like to attend an HRWA event.
Sponsors may designate a specific recipient or contribute to a shared pool, which will be thoughtfully allocated by the HRWA committee.
To contribute a Pay It Forward ticket for this event, or support other HRWA community initiatives, please donate here:
If you would like to attend, but the ticket price does not align with your budget at this time, you may submit a confidential Pay It Forward Ticket Request to:
Stephanie Hronis – [email protected]
When women in horse racing engage, we elevate one another, and the sport as a whole. Here’s what that looks like in real life.
It’s so important to create a safe, non-judgmental place where we can support each other.
To be a future leader in the horse racing industry, to preserve and protect its legacy while uplifting and meeting other women with the same passion!
I am passionate about racing and would love to be part of getting more women involved in the sport and improving the public perception of racing overall.
I joined the HRWA because I volunteered at the 2025 conference and was very inspired by the organization’s work. After volunteering, I knew I needed to become a member to continue gaining support and industry knowledge.
Attended the conference and met so many wonderful women who cared about horses, and prioritized ethical racing and equine welfare.
Take away is there are so many ways to make a contribution and add value and women who are willing to collaborate and invest in ideas to move the industry forward.
This was a great opportunity to meet women in this community and network, to learn about their experiences and how we can improve an industry we love.
Lovely event, appreciate the details and the dedication and passion of the leadership and planning committee. Great professional and personal experience.
I really loved how as a group we were problem solving about the future of the industry that we love. We empowered women through that problem solving.
Great women willing to come up and chat with other ladies and be of service.
The quality of the speakers was fantastic. Overall, the energy at this conference was so collaborative and positive! Excellent job by the planning committee!
It was terrific to meet so many young, bright women who are involved in horse racing and who would make great ambassadors/executives for the industry in the future.
It was terrific to meet so many young, bright women who are involved in horse racing and who would make great ambassadors/executives for the industry in the future.
I think this is an important event for the industry and the empowerment of women.
I didn’t know if this year would be as great as last year but it was and some!!!!
I love that there are so many woman who can relate to each other and who want to make this industry better. It’s even better that we get them under one roof.
Amazing difference in today’s women in racing, on every level. Numbers, quality, respect in the marketplace! Keep raising the bar.
This was a wonderful gathering. So professional but friendly and warm.
I love the reflection and discovery uncovered in the workshops! Those are always my favorite.
Always love the HRWS events!!!
The panels were really fantastic. Such interesting insight across several facets of the industry. Very empowering!
It was such a pleasure to listen to the speakers and to meet new people within the industry. I’m hoping for another summit next spring at Keeneland. Keep up the great work you do ladies!
AMAZING! Really enjoyed this year. There were so many more take home points. You guys really considered the feedback from last year, and I would love to attend annually.
I had an amazing time and met so many wonderful woman in horse racing as well as heard some very inspirational talks. I was very happy to be a part of this great day!
Missed our last event? Or just want to relive the energy? Let us take you back to the powerful panels, crowd-favorite speakers, and incredible community moments that defined the day!
