On the Rise: Erin McLaughlin

When Erin McLaughlin graduated from University of Florida with a degree in tourism and hospitality management, and a minor in communications, there were many different directions she could have taken. But when a job offer arrived after graduation in 2013 from Breeders' Cup Limited, where she had interned during college, it was a serendipitous turn of events. McLaughlin grew up in the Thoroughbred racing industry as the daughter of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who is now a jockeys' agent to John Velazquez and Luis Saez. She adored horses and the racing community, so to be able to take that enthusiasm and combine it with her keen interest in hospitality was kismet. Working her way up the ranks at Breeders' Cup, McLaughlin, 34, is currently the senior director of racing and horsemen relations and works in the company's Lexington office. Her answers have been edited for clarity and space. BloodHorse: When you went to college and got your degree in hospitality and tourism, was it your plan to meld that with racing? Erin McLaughlin: I think at that point, I wasn't sure. I had to do a full-time internship while in college, and everyone around me in Florida was going the more traditional route of a hotel or Disney World, and I was trying to think outside of the box. I had just been to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park, and I thought, this is perfect, because it combines my two passions, hospitality and horse racing. I reached out to Dora Delgado (Breeders' Cup's executive vice president and chief racing officer) and asked if they took interns. Fortunately for me, they did, and the rest is history. (But) I wasn't certain I wanted a career in racing after graduation. My dad never pushed me or my brother, Ryan, to follow in his footsteps and work on the track. I remember calling my mom (Letty) when I first got offered a full-time position at Breeders' Cup. I told her, I wasn't sure, and she said, "Why wouldn't you take this?" I just hadn't really thought about what I would do, but I'm so glad I took the job. BH: What is a snapshot of some of your horsemen relations' duties for the Breeders' Cup, both during the year and at the event itself? EM: I do all the hotel bookings, not only for race participants, but for media, sponsors, betting challenge players, board members, staff, and invited guests. I oversee the hospitality lounges on site at the hotels by staffing them, and arranging for the food and beverage, and (audio visual) needs. On the actual event days during the Breeders' Cup, I am situated in the paddock. I'm there to make sure there are no issues. If I see a trainer that doesn't have their (credential), I make sure they don't have an issue getting in. BH: You had an interesting childhood as you spent 10 years going to school in Dubai for part of the year while your father trained over there for Sheikh Mohammed during the winters. EM: Dubai was the experience of a lifetime—having the opportunity to travel the world and just learn so much through horse racing. I don't think people realize that racing can open so many opportunities and doors for you. I'm so thankful for that. My brother and I were so young—we would stop somewhere like Amsterdam or Switzerland along the way, because it was such a long flight. My brother doesn't remember it as much, but I was a little older, so I remember just getting to do all of that, which was really neat. I was 3 years old, and I continued to go back and forth for half the year until I was 13. I went to the American School of Dubai over there. I was splitting school time between Dubai and New York, so that was a little tricky. BH: Even before your career with Breeders' Cup, you must have some great memories of the World Championships, particularly the years when your father won races with Invasor (ARG) (2006 Classic) and Lahudood (2007 Filly and Mare Turf)? EM: Invasor was probably the most special. But I also remember that same day my dad ran Henny Hughes (Sprint). We were really looking forward to Henny Hughes and thought he had a really great shot, and he did not run well (finishing 14th as the favorite after stumbling at the start). I remember we were bummed. We obviously loved Invasor, but he wasn't the favorite, so there wasn't a whole lot of pressure. Then he shocked us all and won. It was an amazing experience. Actually, that year was kind of crazy. I was playing basketball at the time, and we had a game a day or two before we were traveling to Kentucky. I remember my mom saying, "I don't think you should play in this game. What if you end up getting hurt or something?" And I was like, "I'm not gonna get hurt." Lo and behold, I broke my nose in that game, and I was in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs with a huge, swollen nose. When Dad won the Dirt Mile with Tamarkuz in 2016 at Santa Anita, I was in working capacity so that was kind of a neat experience for me. BH: How did your parents influence your work ethic? EM: My dad always said to love what you do and it won't feel like work. I think that's something he has always made me believe—go after something that you're passionate about, because that's really important. My parents instilled in me the importance of building relationships, learning from others, and being willing to put in the work while letting your passion guide you. They also told my brother and me to treat others as we want to be treated, and that integrity and respecting everyone is super important as well.