By California Horse Power Coalition
As part of the California Horse Power Coalition’s commitment to building awareness and opportunity around the many career paths within the Thoroughbred industry, we’re proud to spotlight emerging professionals gaining firsthand experience through the 1/ST x Ed Brown Society Internship Program. This program provides students and young professionals with meaningful exposure to the inner workings of horse racing while connecting them with mentorship, education, and hands-on learning opportunities across the industry. In this Q&A below, intern Asya Seraphinbc shares her journey from South Florida to Santa Anita Park, reflecting on the experiences, surprises, and lessons that have shaped her perspective on racing and her future career goals.
- Tell us a little about yourself—where are you from, and what are you currently studying or focused on?
I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I studied Marketing with a minor in real estate at Florida Atlantic University. I am focused on building a career in marketing and business.
- How did you first learn about the Ed Brown Society and what made you interested in applying?
I first learned about the Ed Brown Society through my university. I was immediately drawn to it because it is a niche organization with a clear and meaningful mission. The Society celebrates the rich history of the equine industry while also creating opportunities for talented students to gain exposure, training, and experience that prepare them for professional success in all aspects of the industry and beyond.
What interested me most is how the organization turns that mission into action through mentorship, training, internships, and scholarships. As someone eager to grow professionally and gain more hands-on experience, I was inspired by the opportunity to learn from industry professionals while being part of a program that is focused on access, education, and long-term career development.
- Before this internship, what (if any) exposure did you have to horse racing or the Thoroughbred industry?
Before this is internship I absolutely had no exposure to horse racing and the thoroughbred industry.
- What has your experience been like so far working at Santa Anita Park?
My experience at Santa Anita Park has been very illuminating. I’ve gained insight into how multiple departments collaborate to execute a race and how essential each role is to the overall operation
- What are some of the key things you’ve worked on or been exposed to during your internship?
During my internship, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several departments, including marketing, accounting, racing, and hospitality. As a marketing major, I’ve especially valued seeing how marketing strategies contribute to race day operations. This experience has strengthened my understanding of the coordination and detail required to successfully execute each event.
- What’s something that has surprised you about the racing industry?
What surprised me most about the racing industry is the level of care and attention given to the horses, with dedicated teams and strict protocols focused on their well-being. I was also surprised by how many different roles contribute to the industry, which opened my eyes to the wide range of career opportunities beyond just racing itself.
- What has been your favorite moment or experience so far?
My favorite experience so far has been riding in the ambulance alongside the veterinarian during races. It gave me a unique perspective on the safety measures in place and the level of care provided to the horses.
- How has this internship changed or shaped your perspective on horse racing?
This internship has really shaped my perspective on horse racing by giving me insight into the behind-the-scenes operations. It’s helped me understand the level of coordination between departments and the strong emphasis placed on safety and the well-being of the horses
- How do you see this experience influencing your future career path?
This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in marketing, particularly within the entertainment industry. Seeing how marketing plays a role in promoting events and engaging audiences has shown me how I can apply my skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- In your opinion, what makes horse racing unique compared to other sports or industries?
In my opinion, what makes horse racing unique is the strong sense of community and culture surrounding it. It brings together owners, trainers, staff, and fans in a very connected environment. It’s also exciting because anyone can participate by placing a wager, which creates a sense of involvement and makes you feel like you’re part of the race itself.