BCTC equine students get VIP experience at Churchill Downs

Published on May 1, 2025

Students from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College equine program received an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience at Churchill Downs during Derby Week, immersing themselves in the heart of the Thoroughbred racing world.

The exclusive tour, led by BCTC equine program faculty Remi Bellocq and Dixie Kendall, gave students unprecedented access to the people and places that make the Kentucky Derby one of the most iconic events in sports. As part of the experience, students met with several of the most respected names in the racing industry, including Hall of Fame trainers Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert, Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher and Steve Asmussen. They also had the chance to hear directly from renowned jockeys Brian Hernandez Jr. and Gary Stevens among others.

The racing legends generously shared advice and insights with the aspiring equine professionals. Their message was consistent: love of the horse, hard work, resilience and building strong relationships are essential to succeeding in the industry.

“While we can, and do, provide our students with the tools they’ll need to succeed in the equine industry, it isn’t until they get to meet and interact with the racing industry’s most successful horsemen and horsewomen – many of whom with horses running in the Kentucky Derby – that our kids have that “aha” moment,” says Bellocq. “This is the reason they’re doing all the hard work!”

For many students, a standout moment came when they met BCTC equine alum Erica Herrforth, who now works for Lovell Racing Stable. Herrforth spoke about her own journey from BCTC student to assistant trainer and professional exercise rider, offering encouragement and practical advice for those just starting out.

"Our program is designed to give students the hands-on skills they need to succeed not only in the racing industry as exercise riders, jockeys and trainers, but also in other sectors of the equine industry such as the breeding, sales and veterinary care," said Dixie Kendall, program coordinator. “The opportunity to meet an alum who started where they are now and is out there riding and training as a career is great motivation for these students.”

As their stable-side tour concluded, Bellocq added, “Opportunities like this give them a real sense of the pace, the people and the passion that define this industry.”

BCTC equine students left Churchill Downs with more than just a cool memory; they walked away with valuable insights, meaningful connections and a renewed sense of purpose in pursuing careers in the equine industry.

"The opportunity to experience Derby Week at Churchill Downs offers our students a rare glimpse into the world of Thoroughbred racing,” said Greg Feeney, BCTC president and CEO. “It’s a unique moment where classroom learning meets real-world application, helping them to not only grasp the fundamentals of the equine industry but to also connect with the legends and leaders who inspire the next generation of equine professionals. I am thrilled that our students had this special moment of one they will never forget.”

To learn more about the BCTC Equine Studies program, visit the website or contact Dixie Kendall at (859) 246-6667 or dixie.kendall@kctcs.edu.