This April 22 and 23, Light Up Racing is set to launch its Media & Content Cohort Training Program in Lexington, Ky. This innovative program aims to improve the narrative of horse racing, empowering changemakers by teaching skills to better talk about and promote the sport.
Light Up Racing is assembling a dynamic group of approximately 20 individuals from every aspect of the horse racing industry, across all demographics, united by their passion for positive change over two days of training.
"Our goal is to empower each participant with the confidence to share their stories and perspectives in horse racing," says Vicky Leonard of Kick Collective, who will be spearheading the training. "We believe that by building these skills and generating confidence, we can collectively start shifting how the sport is perceived and talked about."
The training is planned to equip a diverse group of participants with the tools they need to make an impact. Day One focuses on personal branding, leveraging social media and confidence in media interview techniques, while day two advances into content creation and strategies for maximizing engagement.
"By the end of this program, participants will not just have skills; they'll have the confidence to use their voices and showcase the industry from their perspective," Leonard said. "They’ll also have a community supporting their journey.”
This training marks the beginning of a larger movement towards a more open and forward-thinking horse racing community, sharing the positive elements to the wider public.
"When an industry isn’t talking, people assume it has something to hide. The antidote to fixing the perception and trust issues is by opening the door and inviting people in – both in person and online, said Leonard. “Your voice matters, and together, we have the power to redefine the narrative."
Can't make it to Kentucky? Additional training sessions will soon be announced across the USA, reflecting Light Up Racing's commitment to fostering a nationwide community of empowered racing advocates.
Dedicated to changing the conversation around horse racing, Light Up Racing empowers industry participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to advocate for positive change. Through fostering industry unity and prioritizing equine welfare, the initiative aims to drive the sport towards a more sustainable and positive future.
“These two days will empower the Kentucky cohort to go out into the community, both in person and online, to engage in fact-based, transparent dialogue about horse racing during a crucial time on our calendar. We need to share the good stories and we must stop uninformed opinions from driving the narrative of our sport. I look forward to participating in the training myself when it comes to California," said Christina Blacker, FanDuel TV racing analyst and Light Up Racing board member.
For more information and to apply for the Media & Content Cohort Training, visit lightupracing.com/cohort-training
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