The fifth annual Horse Racing Women's Association 2026 Conference announced July 1 that Olympic bobsled champion and six-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor will headline this year's conference as the keynote speaker.
The conference, being held Oct. 12-14 in Lexington for the second year in a row, offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy a welcome reception, an esteemed slate of speakers and three panel discussions, a special presentation of the Jane Goldstein Award, a guided networking session, and an afternoon of racing at Keeneland. Tickets are now on sale.
Through an in-depth conversation, hosted by Britney Eurton, a reporter on NBC and Prime Video, Taylor will explore her experiences overcoming challenges, balancing motherhood and elite sports, breaking barriers, building community and creating opportunities for others to provide attendees a firsthand look at the defining moments and experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey.
"Every meaningful opportunity in my life came because someone believed in me, encouraged me, or gave me a chance-a chance I often had to fight for. The medals are great, but the people are what matter most. That's why communities like HRWA are so important-they create those opportunities for others," said Taylor. "I'm honored to be part of this year's HRWA conference and excited to share my experiences while discussing the power of mentorship, meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders."
The featured speakers of the afternoon will be the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes-winning trainer-owner duo of Cherie DeVaux and Daisy Phipps Pulito. DeVaux has made history with her trainee Golden Tempo this year and she not only became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby (G1), but also the first female trainer to win multiple Triple Crown races after her star colt won the Belmont Stakes (G1).
Pulito, the co-owner and racing manager for Phipps Stable that own Golden Tempo in partnership with Vinnie and Teresa Viola's St. Elias Stables, is doing important and meaningful work to carry on her family's longstanding legacy in the Thoroughbred industry. Alongside DeVaux, Pulito and the rest of the Phipps women have proved themselves trailblazers in their own right. DeVaux and Pulito will discuss their history-making success throughout this year's Triple Crown season and more.
In addition to the featured speakers, attendees of this year's HRWA conference will have the opportunity to sit in on a unique trio of panel discussions hosted by a talented array of panelists that come from all corners of the Thoroughbred industry. Panelist details will be announced soon.
Panel 1 - Ambition & Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing
This panel will explore leadership journeys, career advancement, and navigating opportunities within the industry.
Panelists include Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland; Jamie Eads, president and CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Corporation; Rosie Napravnik, retired multiple graded stakes-winning jockey and OTTB retrainer at New Vocations; Emily Wygod, founder and executive director of Tranquility Lake Farms; and moderator Hallie Hardy, executive director of Horse Country.
Panel 2 - Future Proofing: Technology, AI & the Next Era of Racing
The second panel will examine how technology protects the sport, expands opportunity, and modernizes careers.
Panelists include Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer of 1ST; Charlotte Clement de Bona, chief strategy and transformation officer of The Jockey Club; Youmna Hakoum, senior data analyst of Equibase Co.; Caroline Leach, data management specialist for the University of Kentucky, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Applied AI; and moderator Liza Hendriks, board of directors of Inglis Digital USA.
Panel 3 - The Power Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship & Opening Doors
The third panel will be a discussion on building meaningful professional relationships and partnerships and creating pathways and opportunities.
Panelists include Heather Higgins, senior vice president of corporate partnerships for Breeders' Cup; Dena Merson, founder of Simply Racing; Deja Robinson, DVM candidate and Ed Brown Society fellow; Katie Taylor-Whalen, vice president of operations for Taylor Made Sales Agency; and moderator Cathy Shircliff, director of equine industry relations and experience for Churchill Downs Inc.
"Each year, the HRWA conference brings together women from across Thoroughbred racing to learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and inspire the next generation of leaders," said Jodie Vella-Gregory, HRWA event logistics committee chair. "This year's program features an exceptional lineup of speakers whose talent, leadership, and innovation are driving our industry forward. They represent just a few of the many remarkable women making an impact across Thoroughbred racing, and their diverse experiences will spark meaningful conversations, new ideas, and lasting connections."
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in HRWA breakout sessions and a guided networking experience, followed by an afternoon at the races at Keeneland Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Tickets are now on sale for this year's conference, the featured event on the 2026 HRWA calendar. For early bird pricing, valid until Sept. 1, individual tickets can be purchased for $395 (non-HRWA members) or $350 (HRWA members). After Sept. 1, individual tickets can be purchased for $495 (non-HRWA members) or $450 (HRWA members). For groups planning to attend, limited tables of eight are available to purchase until Sept. 15 for $3,000.
This year, the HRWA will offer a limited number of college/university study tickets at a reduced price of $225. Any interested students can email Stephanie Hronis with a photo of a valid student ID.
To be considered for a Pay It Forward ticket, please send Stephanie Hronis an email with information on who you are and how you would benefit from attending the 2026 HRWA conference. All applications are kept confidential.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 HRWA conference, click here.
To learn more about the conference and HRWA membership, click here.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
