A Great Program for Teenagers Ready for the Racetrack Experience
An open letter from a girl who remains eternally thankful for her experience with a program called Kids to the Cup.
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A couple of years ago, Kids to the Cup (KTTC) was alive and well, providing teens the chance to tour the backside at the Breeders’ Cup, form new friendships and open doors to future careers. After Bob Lewis’ death - Bob had the funds and the connections - Kids to the Cup fell to the wayside and eventually was discontinued.
http://www.kidstothecup.com/
But whoaaaaaaaa - it can still happen in 2010! Former Kids to the Cup leader Diana McClure and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are still offering the opportunity for teens to get a chance to work with racehorses.
The experience involves getting a track license, hot walking horses, accompanying them to the races, to the winner’s circle, to the testing barn - the process. Last year, Mike Pino, third leading trainer at Colonial Downs with a 20-plus horse barn, hosted the hot walkers. Housing was free, and one is paid for hot walking. The experience and networking are priceless.
I first participated in KTTC in the summer of 2009. Through Diana McClure, I went from two months walking at Colonial Downs and working on the backstretch to walking for Seattle Slew’s trainer Billy Turner at Saratoga. I thought I knew a lot about racing and handling. It turns out I didn’t know the half of it. Mike Pino’s barn offered a warm atmosphere, safe environment and a good look into the makings of a caring, smooth-running barn. And the Colonial Turf series draws some nice horses 
Participation isn’t limited to those with horse experience. Those interested have the option of staying as long or as little as they want. This year’s meet runs from May 29 to July 21. If you or someone you know is interested in this fabulous program, please E-mail me or Diane:
Me, marshallblevins@gmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/marshieb?ref=ts
Diana, dmcstable@aol.com, http://tinyurl.com/ygezcos
Please spread the word - the more the merrier! Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Sometimes it’s hard to get a foot in the door, and there’s no better way than through Kids to Colonial.
Marshall
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2907195&id=645265806
