The business of horse racing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is now just a little over a week away. It’s an event that puts thoroughbreds and the equine industry in the spotlight.

Officials with The University of Louisville say the school is home to the only equine industry degree from an accredited college of business in the world.

According to the Equine Business Association, the equine industry has a $300 billion worldwide economic impact, and represents 1.6 million jobs.

UofL is home to several programs for students to learn more about the industry, even for veterans like Mary Nixon.

“I’ve been involved on and off in the thoroughbred industry for over 50 years, starting out working on a farm for a $1.45 an hour,” explained Nixon, who enrolled in the school’s certificate of equine business program in 2022.

She’s on Louisville’s Board of Trustees and a part owner of the 2018 Triple Crown winner, Justify. 

“Won the Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont and had a Triple Crown winner. It was fabulous, and it’s kind of one of those things that’s a once in a lifetime thing, it’ll never happen again, but it sure was fabulous when we experienced it,” said Nixon. 

“I think I’m the only governor-appointed trustee that’s been a student at the same time. I thought I knew a lot about the industry, but I found out I had a lot more to learn,” said Nixon. 

The programs UofL offers include a minor, certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in equine business.

“People just come to the racetrack, they see the horses, they know what a jockey is, they may know what a groom is or a hot walker, but the thing it takes to pull the whole industry together, all the way from the breeding aspect of what the business is to running a racetrack to the whole betting opportunities there’s a number of different careers,” said Nixon. 

And she hopes to see the program continue to grow.

“Anything we can do as a university because of where we are located — that gets more people involved, more educated, more passionate, for this iconic Kentucky industry — the better,” said Nixon. 

For more information on the programs offered at UofL visit their website.