In our second trainee blog, Emma Dillon, from the 23rd Godolphin Flying Start class (2025-2027), examines the different ways that horse racing should be trying to actively engage new audiences.Horse racing is a captivating sport, from the social day out to experiencing the thrilling speed and elegance of thoroughbreds. What's not to love about a day out racing? Support of horse racing from novice, casual and diehard fans is so important to continue its development and sponsorships. If I was in charge of racing I would invest in marketing our sport through media outlets to the general public and encourage fans to develop meaningful connections with horse racing's affiliates.Horse racing is a straightforward sport but, at times, it can be complex for emerging fans to understand concepts like handicapping and effective betting strategies, alongside the training and breeding activities that occur daily. Demystifying the sport is something our generation should continue to conquer in order to engage new fans into the game. Trainers and jockeys have different personalities and some embrace the engagement with the media, while others turn away from it. Putting them in the spotlight alongside the horses will help fans to connect with the passion and dedication that exists and share in that experience.Events like watching Aidan O'Brien's horses work up the Curragh Racecourse the day after the Flat opening meeting this year are really beneficial for fan engagement. It was open to the public to watch and enjoy. Some of the second year Godolphin Flying Start trainees attended and had a great time watching as it included a meet and greet/question and answer session with Aidan and jockey Ryan Moore after the horses exercised.Horse Racing Ireland's 'Racing Runs In Us' campaign was released July last year and is a moving video that highlights the deep cultural connection between horse racing and Irish heritage. The campaign features the iconic voices of Davy Russell and Rachael Blackmore and demonstrates that our sport is steeped in history. The video concludes with the statement, “Horse racing is embedded in Irish culture and we are all connected to it.” It is worth spending the time to watch if you haven't already as it demonstrates the legacy and tradition steeped in horse racing. The deep connection horse racing has to heritage is something I have experienced, not just in Ireland but also in Newmarket and Lexington as part of the Godolphin Flying Start programme.Spreading the passion that exists in horse racing is something that can overcome a lot of the concerns we face internationally. While on the this programme, I have noticed that a lot of the issues we face in Ireland are repeated globally like the shrinking foal crop, the pressures on social licensing and the concern of sustainability of thoroughbreds with focus on their life after racing.Social media platforms like America's Best Racing and World Horse Racing do an excellent job at marketing the international industry. Locally to the UK and Ireland, RaceDay TV engages racegoers in interviews about fashion and tipping among other topics, with interviewers like former jumps jockey's Mattie Batcherlor and Alan Johns. This form of social media encourages young racegoers to get involved and has the potential to improve racetrack attendance and, in turn, fuel the on track economy. In the US, social media influencer Griffin Johnson and 2025 Kentucky Derby contender Sandman, who was third in the Preakness, gathered attention as a partial ownership opportunity from West Point Thoroughbreds and snowballed into a social media blizzard gaining millions of views and interactions online.With affordable ownership options from syndicates there is no better time to get into horse racing as an entertaining and gratifying social pastime which allows people to form a strong emotional connection with a racehorse and potentially experience ownership of top quality racehorses at the highest level and at a fraction of the price.2025 was the year for geldings and I certainly believe they deserve their glory for the interest they generate in the sport. One example of this is reflected in the attendance at Southwell when Constitution Hill made his Flat debut. Calandagan is another headline act that is certainly doing his part for international fan engagement with trainer and Godolphin Flying Start graduate, Francis Henri Graffard.I would ensure the consequences of my decisions put affiliates like breeders, owners, trainers and fans at the forefront for benefits. As well as investing in the marketing of our sport to the general public, I would fundraise schemes to support breeders, similar to ones that currently exist like the ITBA National Hunt (NH) Fillies Bonus scheme that pays out a bonus of €5,000 to any eligible filly who wins their mares only maiden bumper, maiden hurdle or beginners' steeplechase. Each filly has the opportunity to win €15,000 without deduction on top of the prize-money.The TBA's Great British Bonus (GBB) Scheme also incentivises and rewards the breeding, buying and racing of British-bred fillies and mares across both Flat and NH, with owners, breeders and winning connections of registered fillies able to earn up to £100,000 in bonuses. These schemes support breeders and the industry by encouraging affiliates to invest in breeding racehorses.Horse racing possesses a unique blend of tradition, excitement and community that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. However, for the sport to thrive in a modern and evolving landscape, it must actively engage new audiences through accessible education, innovative marketing and meaningful storytelling.By highlighting the personalities behind the sport, embracing social media and creating opportunities for public involvement, racing can foster deeper connections with fans. At the same time, supporting key stakeholders such as breeders, owners and trainers through incentives and sustainability initiatives will ensure the industry's long-term viability. By balancing heritage with progress, horse racing can continue to grow as an inclusive, engaging and globally relevant sport for future generations.The post What I Would Change If I Ruled Racing For A Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.