About us
LIGHT UP RACING
Changing the conversation about horse racing to protect its future.
Objective
Light Up Racing was built to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence to engage in meaningful conversations with the concerned public and external media, and provide the information needed to make informed decisions that prioritize equine welfare.
By fostering industry unity, we worked towards driving positive change and pushing for best practice adoption.
After Breeders’ Cup 2026, we made the decision to sunset Light Up Racing. However, the tools on this page aren’t going anywhere. They’re our gift to the industry and free to use for as long as they’re needed.
Strategic pillars
TRANSPARENCY
By addressing misinformation and answering common concerns with accurate information supported by scientific papers, we dismantled the wall of secrecy that separates the horse racing industry and the public.
AWARENESS
We aimed to amplify positive industry progress and celebrate remarkable stories while effectively communicating complex topics regarding scientific advancements.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Anchored by the question, “What is right by the horse?”, we held ourselves and others accountable as custodians of the breed. Multiple layers of accountability, from leadership to peers, ensure responsible practices throughout the entire industry.
COMMUNITY
Shifting power from top-down to bottom-up, we empowered our industry community as ambassadors with information, skills, and confidence to proudly represent our industry.
By standing together and using these evergreen tools, we can continue to effect meaningful change and drive its evolution, long after Light Up Racing ended.
Every industry issue Light Up challenged was guided by a fundamental question:
What is in the best interest of the horse?
Dr. JR Coffman, a past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, captured this sentiment when he wrote:
“Whenever a question is answered based upon the welfare of the horse, the human principles involved are also best served in the long run.
We are here for the horse; to the extent that we are responsive to that concept, we will prosper both as individuals and as an organization.”
