In a new TDN series, we are asking industry participants what racing's biggest problem is, and what the solution to that problem is.Today, we ask bloodstock agent David Ingordo, “What do you think is racing's biggest problem?”Racing has a lot of things going right, and I think we focus on the negatives a lot, but there are real problems in the sustainability of the industry. One of the biggest issues I see is this: where are the next trainers, veterinarians, farriers and racing executives going to come from? How are we going to develop the people who will carry the sport forward?I'm not talking about fans or owners. I actually think we're in a renaissance of people wanting to get involved and race and breed horses. But if someone wants to get into the industry and make a career, where are these people going to get started and develop the skills they need?What is the solution?Racing is a very specialized sport and business, and we need a better system for developing the next generation.Maybe that starts with job fairs and outreach programs to introduce people to racing as a career. Someone like Todd Pletcher could go back to Texas, where he's from, and talk about his path into the profession. A range of different people could go out and do it.We need a clear plug-and-play program that explains how you become a trainer. For example, maybe a four-year degree is recommended but optional. Then you spend time working under established trainers, starting in entry-level roles and learning the hands-on side of the business. Advise people that there should be a minimum amount of practical experience required before obtaining a trainer's license. There could also be certifications covering areas such as HISA compliance, labor laws, payroll and business management. Whether that's delivered through teaching institutions, racetracks, or racing commissions, we need to create that pathway.I actually think we're in a golden age of jockeys. We seem to be developing a lot of talented riders through various programs, and by recruiting from overseas. That part of the pipeline gives me confidence. When you look at the different subcontractors that you need to keep the sport running, especially trainers, that's where we need a more structured approach.On the veterinary side, we have a really tough issue to face in attracting equine practitioners to the racetrack. Can we create working environments that are more attractive to young practitioners? Being a racetrack veterinarian is a demanding lifestyle. Younger generations seem to place a greater emphasis on work-life balance, so perhaps we need to work with veterinary practices to create more sustainable models that attract people to the racetrack. These are vocational careers after all.My solutions are fairly simple: teach more, show people how to do it and create clearer pathways into the industry. The final piece is financing. Are there grants, scholarships or other forms of support that could help people become trainers or veterinarians? If someone commits to our industry, are there ways we could help offset the cost of education?We're not turning around a jet ski on a lake; we're turning around a massive ship. None of this happens overnight.You have to recruit people, create the programs and give them time to develop. If we started this year, you're probably talking about 10 to 15 years before you see the full benefits. In the case of veterinarians, it could take eight to 10 years before those students complete their education and begin taking over existing practices. The same applies for any racing profession.Cherie DeVaux | Sarah AndrewLook at Cherie DeVaux. People talk about overnight success, but she spent roughly 15 years as an assistant before going out on her own eight years ago. Success stories like that always take time. So when today's top trainers eventually retire, there needs to be another generation prepared to take their place. Creating opportunities today is how we make sure those people are there tomorrow.We also need an industry resource center where people can learn about these careers, find contacts and connect with mentors. We should build a network of people willing to guide young men and women who are interested in racing and help put them on a path to success.If we don't get this right, the industry will continue to contract. As the industry has contracted in recent years, fewer people have been exposed to horses, farms and racetracks. Racing is a difficult business to break into, and it's a demanding way to make a living. People who choose racing usually do it because they have a genuine passion for it. Each generation has become further removed from an agricultural lifestyles and horse racing. If we don't actively reintroduce people to these careers, the contraction will continue.Ten or 15 years from now, we could find ourselves struggling to recruit qualified workers at every level, from future Hall of Fame trainers to assistant trainers, foremen, grooms, farriers and veterinarians. If we don't start building that pipeline today, those people simply won't be there when we need them.–Emma Hunter is a first-year trainee in the Godolphin Flying Start program. She is a native of Cork, Ireland. The first horse she ever foaled was Noble Yeats, winner of the 2022 Grand National, whom her family bred.The post Racing’s Biggest Problem, And The Solution: David Ingordo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.