University of Kentucky equine science and management and animal sciences junior Julianna Witt is the first recipient of The Jockey Club Scholarship.

The Jockey Club Scholarship, which will cover Witt's 2017-18 academic year of studies, provides $15,000 ($7,500 per semester) to a student who is pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher at any university and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the thoroughbred racing industry.

A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Witt plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degrees and a minor in agricultural economics in 2019 from the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. A member of the Lewis Honors College and a Chellgren Fellow, Witt’s undergraduate research project explores the relationship between broodmare value, stud fee input and resulting return on investment. Her research mentor is Jill Stowe, associate professor of agricultural economics.

Off campus, Witt has worked on numerous farms prepping horses for sales, worked the sales, and as a mare and foal groom. She also volunteers with Old Friends. Witt is committed to working in the thoroughbred industry and is considering the Godolphin Flying Start program, the Irish National Stud or pursuing a master's degree in equine reproduction after getting her undergraduate degree. This summer she is interning at BloodHorse magazine.

"The Jockey Club is proud to support students who are interested in improving the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries," said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. "Julianna Witt and Scott Little (winner of The Jockey Club Jack Goodman Scholarship) exemplify the type of people we want joining us in this great sport."

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It is the sole funding source for America's Best Racing, the broad-based fan development initiative for thoroughbred racing. Additional information is available at http://jockeyclub.com.

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Contact: Whitney Hale, whitney.hale@uky.edu, 859-257-8716