As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening California’s horse racing industry through workforce development and inclusion, 1/ST Racing, whose operations span both California and Florida, has partnered with the Ed Brown Society to create meaningful pathways for diverse talent. The collaboration focuses on exposing emerging professionals to the wide range of careers that support racing, from operations and administration to marketing and hospitality, while building mentorship and long-term opportunity across both states. Below, we hear from Charles Churchill, an Ed Brown Society participant, whose internship with 1/ST Racing became a pivotal step in launching a full-time career in the industry.
Can you share a bit about your background and what first sparked your interest in the horse racing industry?
I was born and raised in Louisville, KY around some of the most prestigious racing in the nation but taking it for granted. As I got older, I couldn’t help but notice how exciting the industry was and began to inquire how this business actually operated…and how I could be a part of it. Taking opportunities to work at every stage of the horse on their way to becoming a full-fledged racehorse, I developed a love and appreciation for this industry and the people in it.
What did the Ed Brown Society program mean to you personally and professionally?
The program really opened doors to administrative sectors of the industry that I desperately wanted to see. One of the first opportunities I was allotted through them was with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, learning about the variance in regulation and their impact on the industry. However, they provided a 2-pronged support system by providing a community of mentors and fellow “scholars” that I could consult in times of confusion.
Tell us about your internship experience with 1/ST Racing — what was your role, and what kinds of projects or responsibilities did you take on?
My internship with 1/ST Racing was a unique experience because I gained so much exposure to information I had only digested through media. My role allowed me to truly explore the various arms of the track, many of which could be observed at countless other corporations; Hospitality, Entertainment, Accounting, Marketing, and Casino Gaming. Working side by side with executives to help carry out day-of event activities or assisting in the preparation for marque days.
How did the team at 1/ST support your growth as an intern?
The team really allowed me to personalize the experience so that I may leverage the resources they had in a manner that best fit me. By tailoring my experience in a separate manner than my peers, I could spend extensive time meeting with executives that could provide me insight on past and future activities and their explanations while my peers with a more veterinary or scientific background may find their time best spent on the backside with the vets or observing a surgical procedure.
Your internship eventually led to a full-time role — can you walk us through how that transition happened?
I believe that my transition from intern to full-time is detailed through hard work and always being aware of how you can contribute to the greater mission. I had a genuine eagerness for the world I was introduced to and expressed that in everything I did, always working to do and be the best that I could be.
What does working full time at Gulfstream mean to you today?
Working at Gulfstream Park is an incomparable experience because the concept of working in paradise is one of the most unique realities. It is also surreal to be working at the top destination for Turf racing in the US during this portion of the year, hosting races that allow me to watch future Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup contenders racing for the gloried title of ‘Horse of the Year’.
How has your understanding of the racing industry evolved since stepping into a professional role?
My knowledge of the industry has deepened and implored me to begin thinking progressively toward the future of racing. This industry has been alive for countless decades and there are countless organs that are extremely vital to the success of the sport. As time progresses, I begin understanding that it does extend beyond just a sport, the industry is truly a community as it is a lifestyle so many people identify with for generations.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
The most rewarding part of this experience has been the opportunity to be with the animals and people. I enjoy high stress environments and intense tasks, but it is important to maintain a healthy balance by coupling those with peaceful moments with a horse or intriguing conversation with notable figures as well as hilariously eccentric characters.
What advice would you give to students or young professionals considering applying to the Ed Brown Society?
Do it! I cannot emphasize the importance of finding a mentor or peer group that you can leverage professionally and personally. There are countless resources that you may not be privy to, and liaisons like the Ed Brown Society are a wonderful tool to use as you begin your exploration into the industry. And for anyone with a bit of hesitation, they are an organization built on recruiting bright, determined, hard workers who want to develop into future leaders, so why not give it a go?