Kids To The Cup Brings Younger Crown Into Racing's Inner Circle
by Betsy Parker

Somewhere deep in the Colonial Downs grandstand, New Kent County, Va. – She dreamed about it for years. Racing books, racing movies, race posters, race legends. And now she's part of it. "I wanted to pinch myself. I can't believe it's finally happening."

Nikki Sherman and Amy Schuver's internships took them everywhere from the press box to the stable area.

Since her parents caught her memorizing the charts from nearby Philadelphia Park at age 6, Nikki Sherman realized that her love of Thoroughbred racing would guide her life. But it took the increasing power of the Internet to guide her into a life with which she had no inside track.

This sunny July day in central Virginia, courtesy of a grant from Kids to the Cup, Sherman is working the grandstand at Colonial Downs, scouring box seats and lawn bleachers for young racing fans who might like to take part in a promotional "meet the jockeys" program between races. Sherman was one of two KTTC members selected for on-track internships sponsored by Virginia's Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (VaHBPA).

Kids to the Cup, brainchild of California owner/breeder Trudy McCaffery, is a non-profit, nationwide educational foundation that "attracts, educates and develops young racing fans through programs that provide direct access to the sport's major events and players."

McCaffery founded KTTC two years ago, after a young Thoroughbred fan contacted her to wish her luck in the Breeders' Cup with her multiple Grade 1 winner Free House.

"It was the president of an online horse club, a junior horse racing fan, basically," said KTTC executive director John DeSantis. "It really spoke to Trudy. She realized that there is a whole untapped reserve of young fans interested in horse racing but without the 'inside track' to get involved. These aren't the sons and daughters of trainers or owners – they are grass-roots fans looking for a way into the sport. Trudy recognized that instantly."

"These youngsters are the future of racing," said McCaffery. "They are impressive in their knowledge and love for the game."

With the help of other industry insiders – rainer Bob Baffert, jockey and board member Chris McCarron, owner Mike Pegram – and industry associations such as the Breeders' Cup, National Thoroughbred Racing Association and more, McCaffery formed KTTC.

"I can't describe the satisfaction I feel when I see bright faces and wide smiles all around as kids meet face-to-face with their heroes – human and equine," she said. "I am so proud of what KTTC and the industry have done in such a short time. We've made dreams come true, and that's saying something."

"I knew this was something to support as soon as I heard the 'Free House' story from Trudy," said DeSantis. "It's just a matter of organizing it on the website, because every industry insider can see how important it is to introduce Thoroughbred racing to young fans."

The extensive, interactive KTTC website features industry news, expert columns, fan club reports and contests in which club members can qualify for scholarships and for subsidized trips, like Sherman's to Colonial, in which management and horsemen allow interns to have hands-on training.

"I know it's not a glamorous part of the job, but I mucked my very first stall yesterday morning," said Sherman of her time with Colonial-based trainer Jeremy Gillam. "I know I love horses and horse racing, but I want to learn every part of the industry so I can make an educated career choice in the future."

Sherman and fellow intern Amy Schuver, both 16, were guided during their Virginia stay by trainer and VaHBPA representative Diana McClure.

"Most of these kids ride a little, but few of them have a direct tie to the business," McClure said. "The KTTC program is a way to get them involved in the horse industry.

"We get so much support from trainers and owners and farms and vets and the like, it is no trouble at all to give them a well-rounded introduction to many facets in a short time."

Sherman and Schuver spent a week at Colonial and McClure's Middleburg, Va., stable, learning everything from public relations and press release writing at the track, to liniment application and tack cleaning at the barn.

"It was a great opportunity," Sherman said. "I know that this is a tough business, hard work and long hours, but now I have a real feel for what's involved. I love horses, and now I know how I can be part of it."

The first official KTTC track interns, Schuver and Sherman were named the club's August "Members of the Month."

"We're given the opportunity to experience all angles of the racing industry," said Sherman. "This morning, we helped a trainer hotwalk horses on the backstretch, and then we learned how to roll bandages the right way.

Sherman said that, from the outside, the Thoroughbred industry can appear quite "closed. I never thought I could be part of it. I mean, my dad's not a trainer or anything. I didn't know anybody in the business. The KTTC program was the answer."

Echoing Sherman's thoughts was this touching post on the website's "comments" column:

". . . I've never had very much adult support from anyone but my parents when it comes to my love of race horses. It means so much to me to know that you and the rest of the KTTC team care. . . Getting to meet Jenine Sahadi and seeing The Deputy (Ire) close up in person was probably my favorite part. . .

"Sincerely hope that God blesses your efforts with KTTC. I know he blessed me through you."_Mandi, 16, Laurel, MT.

"It was a dream to get guidance from people who really know the industry and really care about its future," Sherman said.

On another website section club members can "ask the expert" in a variety of categories. Santa Anita announcer Trevor Denman received this query in June.

Q: First off, I would like to say that I "love" your voice! It is just the cutest thing! Okay, now the question. How, exactly, did you get into race calling?_ Ryen, WA.

A: Well, thank you, Ryen! I started going to the races when I was 6 years old in Durban, South Africa, which is where I grew up. Racing is huge down there. I first wanted to be a jockey but I grew too tall. At 16 I started making my own race calls and I was lucky enough to get a job at age 18. I came to Santa Anita in 1983. They offered me a job after I called some races during a visit to California. Trevor Denman, CA.

Ensuring the future

The Edwin J. Gregson Scholarship Program is the newest KTTC program. Two $1,000 scholarships, per year for four years, are sponsored by Lexington's Mill Ridge Farm and SMD Ltd. in Philadelphia.

One scholarship must be used for attendance at either the Racetrack Industry Program at the University of Arizona or the Equine Industry Program, College of Business and Public Administration at the University of Louisville.

The other can be used at any university. Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA as a full-time student at the college of acceptance. The scholarship recipient is selected on the basis of membership academic record, evattuation of personal statement and the college selected.

In another club development, members Susie Raisher and Jess Paquette plan to produce a racing publication, On the Track. The publication will be a newsletter/magazine and include articles and photos. Distribution will include Rockingham Park and NYRA tracks.

Kids to the Cup will also send six members, each accompanied by a parent, to this year's Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park.

To enter the contest, members must select two books from the KTTC "Reading List" and answer three essay questions.

Judges will grade the responses and select four winners, with two other trips awarded by a random draw. The KTTC can be contacted through its website: www.kttc.org.

KTTC members gathered at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan Day 2000 (from left): Ryen Hanna, Justine McCabe, Sarah McCabe, Brandon Benson and Jess Paquette.

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