In a year marked by history-making achievements for women in horse racing, the fifth annual Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA) conference offered an opportunity to reflect on just how far the industry has come—and how much potential lies ahead.Returning to Lexington, Kentucky for the second consecutive year, the three-day event held Oct. 12-14, boasted a program consisting of in-depth panel discussions, keynote and featured speakers spanning both the worlds of horse racing and Olympic bobsledding, interactive workshops, and expansive networking opportunities.Leading off with Monday's welcome event featuring guest speaker Donna Barton Brothers, the HRWA conference programming continued Tuesday with a series of panels discussing the topics of personal leadership and career navigation, technological advancements within the sport, and how to convert relationships and partnerships into real opportunities.The first panel discussion of the day, entitled “Ambition and Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing,” was moderated by Hallie Hardy, Executive Director of Horse Country, and led by speakers Shannon Arvin; Emily Bushnell, Founder and Owner of Tranquility Lake Farms, and Founder and Executive Director of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship; Jamie Eads, President and CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation; and Rosie Napravnik.Through their experiences, the panelists reflected on the challenges women face in racing and the progress the industry has made in the time that they've been involved.“Don't let the fear of someone not liking what you're doing stop you from doing what you believe needs to be done,” said Arvin, who holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as Keeneland's President and Chief Executive Officer.“You can't just work hard and be successful. You have to be intentional and hold a self-worth and mindset that puts you in a position for others to give you opportunities,” added Napravnik, who made history in 2012 as the first female jockey to win the GI Kentucky Oaks and now works full-time retraining off-track Thoroughbreds.Amy Zimmerman, recipient of the 2026 Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award | Kate Jones PhotoThe day's conversation transitioned to the topic of advancements in technology, namely the expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sport, for the second panel entitled, “Future Proofing: Tech, AI and the Next Era of Racing.” Moderated by Liza Hendriks, the Co-Founder of Wanamaker's who now serves on the Board of Directors for Inglis Digital USA, the panel discussion was led by Dr. Dionne Benson, Charlotte Clement de Bona, Youmna Hakoum, and Caroline Leach.Benson, the Chief Veterinary Officer for 1/ST, explained how 'Racehorse 360,' an AI-powered system that uses advanced cameras to detect irregular horse gaits in real time, has allowed for expanded injury risk assessment.Leach, a Data Management Specialist for the University of Kentucky Center for Applied AI, and Hakoum, a Senior Data Analyst for Equibase, spoke to the growth of AI in terms of collecting and streamlining data, curating statistics, and bridging the gap of understanding for both fans and horseplayers alike.“The biggest thing we need to focus on is innovation. Ask 'why are we doing this?' If the answer is, 'because we've always done it this way,' then maybe we should change it,'” added Clement de Bona, the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for The Jockey Club.Tuesday's afternoon program was highlighted by a conversation with Cherie DeVaux, who made history earlier this year as the first female trainer to win the GI Kentucky Derby, and Daisy Phipps Pulito, the Racing Manager for Phipps Stable who bred and co-owns Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin).“We didn't pick Cherie because she's a woman. We picked Cherie because she's a really good trainer,” said Phipps Pulito. “We knew she'd take care of our horses in a way that we wanted them taken care of.”DeVaux also became the first female trainer to sweep both the Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes in a singular season.“In horse racing, especially at the level that we play [at], it doesn't matter if we're women or men. This is our livelihood. This is our life,” said DeVaux. “Winning the [Kentucky] Derby was a great thing, but that's not who I am. I have more to give. I don't want the Kentucky Derby to define who I am.”While she looks beyond being defined by those historic moments, DeVaux also spoke to the opportunity that has come with her enhanced platform.“It's an honor to be able to be a positive face for our industry, which right or not right, has been under fire for quite some time. It's been a privilege to talk about how far we've come,” she said.The third and final panel of the day, entitled “The Power Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Opening Doors,” was led by panelists Heather Higgins, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Breeders' Cup Limited; Dena Merson, Founder of Simply Racing; Deja Robinson; Katie Taylor-Whalen, Vice President of Operations at Taylor Made Sales Agency; and moderated by Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations and Experience at Churchill Downs Incorporated.Speaking to experience as both mentors and mentees, the women discussed the importance of building relationships authentically rather than approaching mentorship as a formal obligation, along with the concept of 'reverse mentoring,' which recognizes that the person being mentored may know as much as, or more than, their mentor in certain areas.“New people in the industry don't know the unspoken rules or the jargon. Be open minded, recognize those learning gaps, and see where you can help them instead of criticizing them,” said Robinson, an Ed Brown Society Fellow and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidate.Keynote speaker Elana Meyers Taylor and Britney Eurton | Kate Jones PhotoThe celebration of women in racing continued with the presentation of the 2026 Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award, given in recognition of Goldstein, a pioneering turf publicist. This year's award was presented to Amy Zimmerman, a well-respected sports TV producer, director, writer, and network executive who has been a member of the Santa Anita Park staff since 1986.“I am just honored to go to work every day to play with my friends, be part of several loving families, and to get to pet the horses. Because after all these years, that still brings me happiness and joy,” said Zimmerman. “Being a woman should never equal mediocrity. Don't settle for being the best woman for the job. Be the best, full stop.”“I am but one of many made better both personally and professionally by Amy's friendship,” added Amy Gregory, the 2025 recipient of the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award.Following an afternoon of inspiring discussion, Tuesday's program concluded with keynote speaker Elana Meyers Taylor, a six-time Olympic medalist and world champion.Meyers Taylor, who made history as the first American woman to win a world championship in a two-woman bobsled, not only spoke to her success as an athlete but also how she balances that with motherhood and serving as a role model.“This all happened because I was willing to take any opportunity I had, learn from my mistakes, and pivot to a new adventure,” said Meyers Taylor. “My son became my motivation. I wanted to show him, up close and personal, what is possible regardless of what the world says you can't do.”The 2026 HRWA conference concluded Wednesday at Keeneland, where attendees participated in a guided networking workshop facilitated by Dr. Savannah Robin, followed by an afternoon at the races.To learn more about the HRWA and how to become a member, click here.The post Horse Racing Women’s Association Celebrates Milestone Fifth Annual Conference In The Bluegrass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.