Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home State: Florida
Specific Racing Interest: Track Announcer, Race Analyst
Internship Experience: Finger Lakes
When Peter read an advertisement in the DRF about The University of Arizona’s RTIP, he knew that horse racing was his career goal. He decided the best way to convey the passion he has for the sport was to become a track announcer. Due to some very encouraging words and helpful hints from Luke Kruytbosch, Richard Grunder, Ed Burgart, and Ross Morton, Peter gained the confidence he needed to start his announcing career. Peter’s career debut came at Tucson’s Rillito Park in March 2005, where he called two races along with his duties as a race analyst. Since then, he has called races on the Arizona Fair Circuit and has been a guest announcer at Tampa Bay Downs and Turf Paradise. A summer internship allowed Peter to announce races at Finger Lakes where he called his first full card on a mile oval and also did race analysis. Peter is now playing the waiting game in hopes that some time in the future he will be given a chance to showcase his talents.
Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home State: Texas
Specific Racing Interest: Marketing, Pinhooking, Racing Department
Erich grew up in Sunnyvale, Texas, where his family has been involved in breeding and racing thoroughbreds for the last 20 years. Erich has always been interested in pedigree analysis and nicking patterns and he considers that one of his strengths. In trying to evaluate young horses, Erich considers conformation assessments as one of the areas he can improve upon while at the RTIP and through internship experience. Erich is very interested in the marketing of weanlings, yearlings and two-year olds and believes that being part of a pinhooking consortium would be very exciting. From a business perspective, Erich is also interested in learning what it takes to build a successful racetrack. Prior to attending The University of Arizona, he worked as a Certified Laser Technician primarily in orthopedics, urology and E.N.T. procedures.
Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home State: Florida
Specific Racing Interest: Thoroughbred Training and Management
Sean was born and raised in south Florida where he chose early on to visit the local racetracks (Calder, Gulfstream, and Hialeah) rather than the beach. A local trainer, Mr. Luis Casado, was so impressed with his desire to be around racehorses he gave him various jobs around his barn–walking hots, grooming, and eventually foreman work. He gave Sean a priceless foundation and instilled a tough work ethic in him. In addition, Sean held a job with Dr. Luis Benitez, a well-respected Veterinarian based in south Florida for numerous years. In August 2004, Sean hit the jackpot, getting the opportunity to work at Saratoga Race Course for two-time Eclipse Award winning trainer and RTIP alum, Mr. Todd Pletcher. Sean’s goal is to expose himself to the various opportunities available within the industry and be the best in whatever the future has in store for him.
Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home State: Arizona
Specific Racing Interest: Quarter Horse Training and Ownership
Since Joseph was about 10 years old, quarter horse racing has been in his family. He knew growing up that he wanted quarter horse racing to be a part of his life. Being a horse owner was Joseph’s first thought, but now that he is older, becoming a trainer is his dream. Joseph feels the RTIP will help him achieve his dream.
Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home Country: Japan
Specific Racing Interest: Thoroughbred Racing
Shinichi was introduced to racing in 1994 and became fascinated with Narita Brian, the fifth Japanese Triple Crown winner. After that, he was a regular at his hometown Hakodate Race Track. Shinichi found out about the RTIP’s curriculum thanks to Akihiro Shimada, a prominent author in Japan. Since his parents have no connection to the horse industry, he decided to get started at Lexington Community College in 2004 where he would get the chance to meet many good horsemen, such as Hanako Sonobe, who was one of the first graduates from the Darley Flying Start Program. Shinichi has gone to visit Kentucky on a regular basis to see many top stallions and attend the major sales. Also, he attended the Select Sale, which is run by Japan Racing Association every year. Shinichi is seeking to become involved in the thoroughbred industry, play an active part internationally, and connect Japanese horse racing with other countries.
Status: Junior
Graduation Date: May 2008
Home State: Maryland
Specific Racing Interest: Marketing, Media & Public Relations, Management
The development of Ben’s interest in horse racing began in early childhood, as he has attended part of every Del Mar meet for the past 20 years. He knows a lot about horse racing, but feels there is much more for him to learn. He is attending the RTIP to better understand the fine points of the industry. His main areas of interest are in marketing and relations. He truly feels that horse racing is one of the greatest sports in the world, and he wants everyone to be a part of it. He believes the sport of kings should be enjoyed by all and hopes his involvement in the Race Track Industry Program will start him on his way to reaching that goal.